But such is the transient nature of players these days, Auckland's Gallaher Shield premier club champions Suburbs have lost most of their pack from 2016. "We've worked really hard the last 4-5 months to find a pack that will be competitive," says McAlister. He played strongly at centre last weekend when Suburbs beat Ponsonby 31-15 to win their first Waka Nathan Challenge Cup for pre-season competition. I was taking advice from everyone, but I focused on the second round and we didn't even make it to the second round. Eden, College Rifles, Manukau, Waitemata, Suburbs and Papatoetoe all have valid claims to advance.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 07, 2017 02:26 UTC