Manawatū Rugby is proud to announce the Cyclones squad for the 2024 Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse.

The 32-strong squad includes a good core of last year’s team, along with several past players returning and five new faces. There are also two additional players selected as Cyclones interns.

First-time players in the squad include Irish international Molly Scuffil-McCabe, Riahn Brickland, Patricia Heihei, Taylah Barrett, and Manawatū Academy player Anahera Hamahona.

The squad includes three players still in secondary school - Maia Davis, Patricia Heiei (both Manukura) and Taufa Bason (Feilding High School). The Cyclones interns are also secondary school students - Te Maia Sweetman (Manukura) and Kiera Mete (Cullinane College).

Cyclones Head Coach Campbelll MacNeill says the squad is an exciting mix of experienced and younger players.

“We have a really experienced core group of players, with some exciting young talent who forced their way into the squad with their club form. Making the calls to those selected was a pleasure as there was genuine excitement from players who will potentially make their debut, as well as those who have been in the squad for a long time.

“We will be running an exciting attacking shape this year. In order to achieve this, we need dynamic players who can perform skills under pressure, as well as be creative with the pictures in front of them. This guided our selection process, as we chose players who we think have the ability to achieve this.  

“Within the coaching team we believe we have built a plan that suits our playing style and will be entertaining for both players and the fans.”

Cyclones 2024 Squad:

Props
Ngano Tavake (Old Boys-Marist)
Ruby May Ngaruhe (Bush)
Katie Donaldson (Bush)**
Lavenia Nauga-Gray (Whanganui Marist)**
Trae Mafileo (Old Boys-Marist)

Hookers
Sosoli Talawadua (Whanganui Marist)
Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker (Freyberg)
Jayme Nuku (returning from overseas)**

Locks
Sam Taylor (Freyberg)
Brianna Wallace (Old Boys-Marist)
Rachael Rakatau (Feilding Old Boys-Ōroua)
Riahn Brickland (Old Boys-Marist)*

Loose forwards
Elinor-Plum King (Freyberg)
Kahurangi Sturmey (Old Boys-Marist)
Anahera Hamahona (Old Boys-Marist)*
Taufa Bason (Kia Toa)
Layla Sae (Old Boys-Marist)
Kaipo Olsen-Baker (Freyberg)

Halfbacks
Paige Lush (Freyberg)
Molly Scuffil-McCabe (Kia Toa)*
Taylah Barrett (Taihape)*

First five-eighths
Corrineke Windle (Bush)
Jayda Maniapoto (Freyberg)

Midfield
Hollyrae Mete (Kia Toa)
Rangimarie Sturmey (Old Boys-Marist)
Wikitoria Doyle (Old Boys-Marist)
Patricia Heihei (Freyberg)*

Outside backs
Kaia Walker-Waitoa (Freyberg)**
Maia Davis (Freyberg)
Alesha Williams (Old Boys-Marist)**
Ruci Malangicagi (Kia Toa)
Selica Winiata (Kia Toa)

Cyclones Interns
Te Maia Sweetman (Freyberg)*
Keira Mete (Kia Toa)

* Denotes first time named in the squad
** Denotes players returning after missing last season

Preseason Fixtures:
v Wellington - 20 July, 1pm, Bulls Domain
v Hawke’s Bay - 3 August, 12pm, Hastings Sports Park   

See the Cyclones draw for the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse here.

Article added: Friday 12 July 2024