Auckland Blue open their NZRL National 20s campaign at home against Central Districts at Opaheke Sports Park this Saturday. 

Blue team coach Alan Ettles has named a side with plenty of prior rep experience and opted to pair Marist teammates Caleb Laiman and Jeremiah Schuster in the halves, which should help minimise any early competition rust. 

Entry to the game is free and you can catch the action live on Sky Sport 4 in New Zealand and Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL in Australia. 

Auckland Blue v Central Districts

Sat, February 27 – 2.00pm NZT

Opaheke Sports Park

Team

Auckland Blue: 1. Ali Leiataua (Papatoetoe), 2. Anthony Naitoko (Otahuhu), 3. Soakai Taufa (Otahuhu), 4. Ben Kosi (Richmond), 5. Nehumi Teu (Mt Albert), 6. Caleb Laiman (Marist), 7. Jeremiah Schuster (Marist), 17. Feao Tongia [c] (Mangere East), 9. Stanley Iongi (Marist), 10. Carlos Tarawhiti (Pakuranga), 11. Zyon Mai’u [c] (Glenora), 12. Salesi Ataata (Otahuhu), 13. Samuel Hansen (Otahuhu). INTERCHANGE: 14. Sebastian Hindt (Bay Roskill), 8. Taylor Papali’I (Pakuranga), 15. Kenny Taua (Waitemata), 16. Junior Moli (Mangere East), 18. Lonnie Papani (Howick). COACH: Alan Ettles.

Player spotlight

It's a strong backline with good halves and you can expect to see Papatoetoe's Ali Leiataua heavily involved in the attack, along wing Nehumi Teu who is one of the fastest players in his age group in Auckland. Up front Mangere East powerhouse Feao Tongia is one to keep an eye on. 

How to watch 

Live coverage on Sky Sport 4 from 2.00pm NZT in New Zealand and on Fox League, Kayo and Watch NRL in Australia. Post-match there will be a game report on www.aucklandleague.co.nz.  

Article added: Friday 26 February 2021