Texans lock poised for Magpies first-class debut
Top marks for patience among the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby players during the past three seasons go to lock Elijah Martin.
The Napier Technical club player has been in the Wider Training Group for the past three seasons but has yet to play in a first-class fixture. That will change for Martin (pictured above) when he starts for the Magpies in tomorrow night's first Ranfurly Shield defence of the season against North Otago at Napier's McLean Park.
"I'm stoked. If that turns out to be my only first-class game then I'll be proud that I got there. But I'm hoping to make the most of my minutes and do enough to get selected for the next defence against East Coast," Martin said referring to the Magpies next outing on July 24.
"It would be awesome to play against my Texans teammates Perrin [Manuel] and Te Rangi [Fraser] who will be turning out for East Coast," Martin said.
The 27-year-old Karamu High School Maori Dean and technology teacher has no qualms about missing out on a full Magpies contract for the third consecutive season. Former All Black Bryn Evans, Maori All Black Isaia Walker-Leawere, former Hurricane Geoff Cridge and Tom Parsons, who will captain the Magpies tomorrow night, will again be the contracted locks this season.
"I'm in a good space at work where I can get opportunities to teach at different levels and take on new challenges. I've worked hard for three years with the Magpies and been there or there abouts learning off some amazing coaches," Martin added.
He will be one of five players who will make their first-class debuts for the Magpies. Tamatea centre Dennon-Robinson will become a second generation Magpies when he starts as the former Bay of Plenty Steamers outside back is the son of former Magpies winger Jason Robinson.
Taradale second five-eighth Kienan Higgins has been rewarded for some outstanding club form with a start. Hawke's Bay Academy squad member Josh Gimblett will start at blindside flanker and Central flanker Frank Lochore, a grandson of All Black legend, the late Sir Brian Lochore, is likely to get game time off the subs bench.
Players from eight Hawke's Bay clubs have been named in the squad. Products of five Hawke's Bay schools, Napier Boys' High School, Hastings Boys' High School, St John's College, Lindisfarne College and Te Aute College have been selected.
Clive outside back Lolagi Visinia, Hastings utility back Danny Toala, Havelock North loosie Gareth Evans and Taradale prop Joe Apikotoa all return to the squad after playing Super Rugby this season.
Tickets are available online at www.hbmagpies.co.nz or can be purchased at the Gate 1 ticket box at McLean Park for $12.50 for adults and $5 for children tomorrow night.
The Hawke's Bay Magpies team for tomorrow's 7.05pm match:
Lolagi Visinia, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Dennon Robinson-Bartlett, Kienan Higgins, Mason Emerson, Lincoln McClutchie, Connor McLeod, Josh Kaifa, Will Tremain, Josh Gimblett, Tom Parsons (captain), Elijah Martin, Joel Hintz, Jacob Devery, Jason Long. Substitutes: Forwards, Gene Syminton, Namatahi Waa, Joe Apikotoa, Frank Lochore, Gareth Evans, Backs, Zach Donaldson, Ollie Sapsford, Danny Toala.
