ARANUI EAGLES 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

The Eagles have missed the finals for the past three seasons, but a strong pre-season performance – reaching the Challenge Cup final, where they went down to a powerful Linwood combination – showed what the side is capable of under incoming coach Christian Swift. Coach: Christian Swift Last season: 6th (won 4, lost 10) Pre-season:…

Read More

LINWOOD KEAS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Linwood Keas

Following their extra-time loss in the 2015 grand final, the Keas have signalled their intentions by taking out the pre-season Challenge Cup. Recently-appointed Canterbury Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi has a number of key additions at his disposal as the club aims to go one better in the 2016 Masetti Cup.  Coach: Andrew Auimatagi Last season:…

Read More

PAPANUI TIGERS 2106 SEASON PREVIEW

Papanui Tigers

The Tigers broke a 17-year title drought under the tutelage of Shane Endacott in 2015, but the local legend knows he has a tough task ahead of him leading a new-look line-up to back-to-back premierships. Coach: Shane Endacott Last season: 1st and premiers (won 14, lost 2, drew 1) Pre-season: “(It’s been) up and down,…

Read More

RICCARTON KNIGHTS 2016 SEASON PREVIEW

Riccarton Knights

After two seasons back in the top-four picture, Chris Hansen and the Knights – with a relatively stable squad and a couple of handy acquisitions from the union ranks – are aiming to take the next step this year. Coach: Chris Hansen and Sam Brown Last season: 4th and beaten preliminary finalists (won 9, lost…

Read More