Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Auckland Rugby League
After being forced to sit out last week due to COVID-19 restrictions, first-up winners Auckland Blue embark on their longest road trip of the year to face the South Island in Canterbury in Rd 3 of the NZRL National 20s.
While the majority of the squad remains settled from Round 1, coach Alan Ettles has made changes at fullback, both wing spots and in the front row.
Entry to the game is free and you can catch the action live on Sky Sport 4 in New Zealand and on Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL in Australia.
South Island v Auckland Blue
Sun, March 14 – 12.00pm NZT
Ngā Puna Wai, Christchurch
Team
Auckland Blue: 1. Nehumi Teu (Mt Albert), 2. Junior Moli (Mangere East), 3. Soakai Taufa (Otahuhu), 4. Ben Kosi (Richmond), 5. Ali Leiataua (Papatoetoe), 6. Caleb Laiman (Marist), 7. Jeremiah Schuster (Marist), 8. Taylor Papali’I (Pakuranga), 9. Stanley Iongi (Marist), 10. Carlos Tarawhiti (Pakuranga), 11. Zyon Mai’u [c] (Glenora), 12. Salesi Ataata (Otahuhu), 13. Izaac Anitelea (New Lynn). INTERCHANGE: 14. Viliami Finau (Otahuhu), , 15. Kenny Taua (Waitemata), 16. Lonnie Papani (Howick), 17 Tupou Fifita (Otahuhu). COACH: Alan Ettles.
Player spotlight
Co-captain Zyon Maiu’u (Glenora) is the joint leader of the competition’s MVP race, despite playing only one game so far when others have played two, and is there for good reason. Two tries and an overall damaging performance with ball in hand were trademarks of his Round 1 showing. Mt Albert flyer Nehumi Teu caused issues almost every time he carried the ball in the opening game and could be even more involved this week after being given the start at fullback rather than on the wing. Hooker Stanley Iongi is lethal in attack and heads into the match seeking his third try of the competition.
How to watch
Live coverage on Sky Sport 4 from 12.00pm NZT in New Zealand and on Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL in Australia. Post-match there will be a game report on www.aucklandleague.co.nz.
