2025 Counties Manukau Steelers squad named

Coach Reon Graham has confirmed his Counties Manukau Steelers squad for the upcoming
Bunnings Warehouse NPC competition and has once again rewarded club form.

A total of 12 players from McNamara Cup champions Karaka have been included in the squad, while runners-up Pukekohe contributed six players.

Super Rugby stars Ioane Moananu (Crusaders) and Zuriel Togiatama (Drua) headline the
hookers in the squad, with Ardmore Marist youngster Nic Muli and Karaka’s Sekope Muli
providing cover.

The props see returning campaigners Suetena Asomua and Keran van Staden joined by
Patumahoe’s Siate Taupaki, Pukekohe’s Junior Passi and Fijian star Emosi Tuqiri.

The locking stocks get some replenishment in the wake of Will Furniss’s unavailability and
James Thompson’s move overseas.

Karaka’s Aukusitino Ulugia and Ardmore Marist’s Sione Takai are rewarded for their club form, while Tom Martin makes the move into the region and Reegan Wheeler (Patumahoe) gets his first chance at this level.

Pukekohe’s Leo Ngatai-Tafau and Patumahoe’s Jimmy Tupou could see game time at lock or in the loose forward trio.

The latter is an area of strength for the Steelers with All Blacks Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins
Sotutu is joined by club stars Adam Brash (Bombay), Alamanda Motuga (Ardmore Marist), Cam Church (Karaka) and rookie standout Jonty Short (Patumahoe).

Hard-working Pukekohe duo Semesa Saukuru and Te Rama Reuben have won selection on the back of their performances in leading Pukekohe to the grand final.

All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard heads a group of number nines that includes experienced
Steelers player Jonathan Taumateine (Manurewa), newcomer Sam Wye (Karaka), and Cohen Brady-Leathem (Patumahoe).

Riley Hohepa (Patumahoe) returns to his home province after another Super Rugby season, while AJ Alatimu (Ardmore Marist) and Josh Penney (Karaka) are other options to wear the number 10 jumper.

The midfield sees the return of sevens star Sione Molia as well as the return of the in-form
Gibson Popoali’i, while the versatile Tevita Ofa (Manurewa) is likely to spend time in the
position.

Rodney Tongotea earns a return to the Steelers after a brilliant club season.