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With a total of almost 170 points scored, Sunday’s double-header at Navigation Homes Stadium provided plenty of action.
The Counties Manukau Heat came close but fell short to the Manawatu Cyclones (45–52) in their Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) clash. However, the Steelers secured a first home win of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) season, romping home to a 47–24 victory over the Southland Stags.
“It was great to be back at Navigation Homes Stadium and even better having a double-header so the Heat and Steelers fans could make a day of it,” Steelers coach Reon Graham told the Times.
The Steelers began the 2026 season with four losses before shaking off their duck with a win in Wellington on August 30. Now, the team is aiming to reverse early season fortunes.
“We feel we are starting to gel now, and it was pleasing to put back-to-back wins together. This is a tough competition, but any team can win on the day,” Graham says. “We have a tough second half of the season in front, but this group loves a challenge.”
The Steelers and Heat are both heading to Eden Park this Saturday (September 12) as Auckland hosts its own double-header.
While the men are looking to turn their season around, the Heat’s campaign has just begun. As reported previously, the Heat lost to Waikato in the first round of the FPC in Pukekohe on August 29.
However, Graham says there is plenty more to be seen from the Heat as their season progresses.
“The Heat have a young side, but the coaching staff are doing a great job in getting them to play an exciting brand of footy.”
Click here for more information about the Heat and Steelers.
