Clayton’s players to watch in the NPC
Gallagher Chiefs Head Coach Clayton McMillan will be keeping his eyes firmly on the upcoming National Provincial Championship when it kicks off on Friday 6 August.
See below what players McMillan has selected to keep an eye on this NPC.
Taranaki – Kini Naholo
Naholo has been plagued with injury in recent seasons, but is currently fit, banking some good minutes, and is primed to stamp his mark on the Championship. When at his best Naholo is electric with ball in hand and has a nose for the try line.
Waikato – Samipeni Finau
Finau got a taste of Super Rugby this year and made an immediate impact for the Gallagher Chiefs before injury derailed his season. However, Finau will return for the NPC and should provide Waikato with some versatility in the lock/loose forwards and be a big physical presence.
Counties Manukau – Orbyn Leger
A highly under-rated player who will have benefited significantly through his time with the Hurricanes this year. It is expected Ledger will bring leadership and direction to the Counties Manukau team that will be looking to build on the progress made last year.
Bay of Plenty – Kaleb Trask
It is expected Trask will get plenty of opportunity to run the cutter from 10 through the early part of the Bay of Plenty campaign. Balancing his instinctive running game with good decision making and execution to set alight an exciting backline will be fundamental to the Steamers success.
Waikato – Liam Messam
Messam is an inspirational figure in Chiefs Country. This NPC he will be motivated to notch up another significant milestone in playing 100 games for Waikato. Messam will continue to lead from the front and expect the rest to follow.