‘Good feeling' around Old Golds camp
There is a quiet optimism about where this North Otago team could go this season.
Heartland is always full of the unknowns on the eve of the first game and this year is no different as the Old Golds meet Whanganui for their season opener this afternoon.
Utility back Ben Paton looked forward to the challenge that awaited the group.
"It's a good feeling around the group, eh," Paton said.
"A lot of the boys have sort of been sort of in the squad for the last two, or three, years at least. Just more and more experience.
"We've got quite a good squad and a big squad as well. Hopefully we can get back into the playoffs."
Paton, who will start at fullback this afternoon, has been around the squad for the past four years and felt the Old Golds looked good across the board.
"We've got a bit of size and a bit of speed — all facets of it look pretty good."
It will be head coach Luke Herden's first clash in the top job and Paton had enjoyed the former North Otago loan player taking on the coachingreins.
"He was involved a few years ago as an assistant and then he's come in and really led the way.
"It's been good to learn... a few bits and pieces off him as well, especially because he was a fullback."
Paton, 23, has spent the past five years playing for Valley, who have struck up a relationship with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
A couple of players headed to the Weston club last year, and played for Heartland. More arrived this year, including Japanese sevens player Kippei Taninaka — who played at the Paris Olympics — who will come off the bench in Whanganui this afternoon.
"It's pretty cool actually," Paton said.
"We just get to immerse them in New Zealand culture and having them give a bit of the same thing back to us.
"It's quite cool to get sort of involved with that sort of thing."
Paton, who works as a shepherd on a farm in North Otago, knew the Old Golds would be up to the challenge against Whanganui.
"For us it's got to be an 80-minute performance.
"We can't turn off, especially against Whanganui — they've been one of the stronger sides in the Heartland comp over the last few years.
"Just for us to be physical up front and then also execute when we need to."
Loose forwards Cameron Rowland, Savenaca Rabaka and hooker Hayden Tisdall have been named as co-captains.
Experienced prop Kelepi Funaki makes a welcome return to the front row and Athletic Marist pair Asaeli Ngahe and Epineri Logavatu will be big in the lineout.
Kurow's Mitch Morton makes his Heartland debut on the blindside and energetic No8 Junior Fakatoufifita returns.
Japanese player Kenta Iemura will control things from first five with Athies halfback Sevu Cavuilati getting the nod at No 9. Zingari Richmond midfielder Ben Fakava is at centre.
Heartland Championship
Cooks Gardens, 1.30pm
North Otago: Ben Paton, Hopate Finau, Ben Fakava, Tini Feke, Ben McCarthy, Kenta Iemura, Seru Cavuilati, Junior Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka, Mitch Morton, Epineri Logavatu, Asaeli Ngahe, Paea Pala, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Jake Greenslade, Mateo Qolisese, Steve Salelea, Apenisa Tuiba, Cameron Rowland, Kippei Taninaka, Sevanaia Druma, Lachlan Kingan.
Whanganui: Adam Bolt, Harry Symes, Ethan Robinson, Shaun O'Leary, Alekesio Vakarorogo, Dane Whale, Cody Mitchell, Douglas Horrocks, Ekenasio Fiso, Samu Kubunavanua, Ngapuke Patea, Matthew Ashworth, Ross McDonald, Matthew Picard, Tai Pulemagafa. Reserves: Alesana Tofa, Jonty Bird, Renato Tikoisolomone, Jay Tora, Jamie Hughes, Rehimana Meihana, Sheldon Pakinga, Mitai Hemi.
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