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Counties Manukau Steelers coach Reon Graham will be without the services of at least four star players when the province’s NPC season opens on August 1.
All Black coach Dave Rennie wasn’t exactly bashing down the gates at Navigation Homes Stadium recently in efforts to sign up the best of the rest of Steelers’ talent.
However, as previously reported, Cameron Roigard (Hurricanes) did receive ‘that call’ from the former Chiefs two-time title-winning coach.
“It’s great to see Cam [Roigard] back in the ABs, thoroughly deserved as the form halfback in Super Rugby again,” Graham told the Times. “He is a great ambassador for Counties Manukau and we are all very proud to see him in the black jersey.”
In addition, two former All Black (and Blues) loose forwards and a scintillating Chiefs and rugby sevens star are heading overseas.
“Losing Hoskins [Sotutu], Dalton [Papali’i] and Etene [Nanai-Seturo] this year leaves a few big holes in the team,” Graham says. “However, it also provides opportunities for others to step up.
“All three of these players have been great for the Steelers and we’re stoked to see them all getting opportunities to grow their game in other parts of the world.”
Papali’i, who has 37 test caps to his name, is heading to French Top 14 team, Castres Olympique. Son of Blues and Fijian international, Waisake, Hoskins Sotutu (14 caps) will play for English Premiership club, Newcastle Red Bulls.
Although Nanai-Seturo hasn’t played for the All Blacks, he has represented New Zealand at under 20 level, in sevens and in one match for the All Blacks XV. He is bound for French club ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Despite these losses, the Steelers will be looking to claim a win when opening their NPC account against Taranaki on August 1 at Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium. For a full schedule visit cmrfu.co.nz.
