Rugby: 13 uncapped players in Whio squad

Taranaki Rugby 

The Central Roofing Taranaki Whio are proud to announce their squad for the 2024 Farah Palmer Cup, presented by Bunnings Warehouse.

This year’s squad selection boasts a group of experienced players from CMK Club Rugby. 13 uncapped players from CMK Club Rugby and six loan players to boost our competitive efforts for the 2024 campaign.

“We’re focused on maximising our local talent; while ensuring we breed a competitive culture with a goal of improving performance. We have loads of talent in the province, but with some key players unable to commit to the full campaign, we have to look at loan payers to boost the team and its competitiveness.” said head coach Maifea Maifea. “We know we've had some tough results in prior seasons, but building a squad that has a strong will to compete and show our younger players growth across the season. 

With the squad’s announcement, the Central Roofing Taranaki Whio are set to begin their preparation for the 2024 season. The team open their campaign against favourites, Manawatu Cyclones, then returning home to face the Wellington Pride at the TSB Hub in Hawera.

“We know we've got a tough start to the season and our preseason will be key for building combinations,” Maifea Maifea added. “We know we've got some passionate supporters and we want to make them and Taranaki Proud in 2024.”

We have the addition of Tim Stuck as Technical Advisor and Connie O'Brien as Team Manager, the Central Roofing Taranaki Who have a relatively settled coaching group into their 2nd campaign together.

Head Coach - Maifea Maifea

Assistant Coach - Kerry Eynon 

Assistant Coach - Lance White

The squad includes a mix of seasoned players and exciting new prospects. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the players by position

Props:

• Angel Lindsay, Inglewood, 10 caps

• Ashley Rupapera, Coastal/Okaiawa, 6 caps

• Tangini Latu, Kaierau RFC, Uncapped

• Tania Toto, Clifton, Uncapped

• Kate Thomson, Southern, 8 caps

• Mereana Anderson, Clifton, 6 caps

Hookers:

• Maria Maria Marsden, Southern, Uncapped

• Michelle Hurley, Inglewood, Uncapped

• Maree Dallinger-Phipps, Clifton, 21 caps

Locks:

• Gemma Gardner-Harrison, Clifton, 9 caps

• Aliena Wallis, Inglewood, 3 caps

• Catherine Butler, Clifton, 9 caps

• Kayla Woods, Southern, Uncapped

Loose Forwards:

• Jaymi Ngaia, Coastal/Okaiawa, 15 caps

• Pareake O’Brien, Coastal/Okaiawa, 13 caps

• Briana Poingdestre, Southern, 11 caps

• Brooke Neilson, Inglewood, 20 caps

• Hayley Gabriel, Kaierau RFC, 6 caps

• Evelyne Arnold, Southern, Uncapped (Training Partner)

Halfbacks:

• Aarnya Simpson, Clifton, Uncapped

• Iritana Hohaia, Southern, 13 caps

• Portia Huffam, Clifton, Uncapped (Training Partner)

First Five Eighths

• Laura Claridge, Old Boys Marist, 6 caps

• Zeta Barber, Inglewood, Uncapped

Midfield:

• Hayley Storer, Inglewood, Uncapped

• Louise Blyde, Clifton, 6 caps

• Mia Maraku, Ratana Pa Maramatanga, Uncapped

• Paige Neilson, Inglewood, 11 caps

Outside Backs:

• Eva Martin, Clifton, 5 caps

• Hannah Mclean, Southern, 12 caps

• Paris Munro, Whanganui Marist, Uncapped

• Shaniqka Wall, Old Boys Marist, Uncapped

• Victoria Arnold, Southern, 1 cap

Check out the full schedule of games here