Waikato reveal their hand

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes has announced his squad for the NPC this year with prop Nathan White set to continue in his role as captain of the side.

There are four new players to the Waikato squad this year including New Zealand Seven’s representatives Declan O'Donnell who will play at centre and Rory Grice who will play at No.8. Local midfielder Rena Schuster also made the squad along with former Canterbury representative hooker Marcel Cummings-Toone.

Gibbes commented: "We are confident that we have the right mix of experience and youth in this team and we are determined to improve on last year's season. We know what it takes to get to the final and we are going to take it one step further this year.

"We are looking forward to this unique competition with all its challenges we believe that we are able to field a competitive team week in and week out," he said.

This season sees the return of props Latu Talakai and Ted Tauroa as well as flyhalf Sam Christie to the red, yellow and black colours.

Gibbes will be assisted by Scott McLeod and Greg Smith with Paul Galletta managing the team.

Waikato NPC squad:

Forwards: Alex Bradley, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Aled de Malmanche, Romana Graham, Rory Grice, Zak Hohneck, Marty Holah, Jack Lam, Toby Lynn, Ben May, Liam Messam, Chris Middleton, Toby Smith, Latu Talaki, Ted Tauroa, Nathan White (captain), Matt Vant Leven.

Backs: Sam Christie, Stephen Donald, Frank Halai, Richard Kahui, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Brendon Leonard, Tim Mikkelson, Mils Muliaina, Declan O’Donnell, Trent Renata, Rena Schuster, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Henry Speight, Savenaca Tokula, Jackson Willison.