There will be a new leader for the new generation of Steelform Whanganui players getting their opportunity to add their names of the folklore of the ‘Log o’ Wood’.

Coach Jason Hamlin settled on his squad of 23 earlier in the week who will travel to Napier’s McLean Park to face Hawke’s Bay in the first Ranfurly Shield Challenge for the union since 2018.

Eleven of the starting XV played in last weekend’s victory over Manawatu B, either starting or coming off the bench, with the four other players returning from injury or illness after the gruelling Tasman Tanning Premier final that went to extra time.

They are lock Matt Ashworth, blindside flanker Josefa Namosimalua, No8 Doug Horrocks and second-five Timoci Seruwalu.

But the big change is at the top, as openside flanker and seventy-game veteran Jamie Hughes ascends to the captaincy, with Hamlin stating the departure of other veteran players around Hughes and former skipper Dane Whale meant it felt like the time to reorganise roles.

“As I explained to Dane and Jamie, when I broached the subject, without Lindsay [Horrocks], a game driver, I didn’t want Dane to feel like the world was on his shoulders.”

Whale and Doug Horrocks will be vice-captains in the leadership group, with Whale naturally the team’s playmaker as well as having goal-kicking responsibilities.

“He’s going to have his hands full, in that regard,” said Hamlin.

Although a more reserved personality than Whale, Hughes has grown into a true leader, as judged by his massive effort in player-coaching the 2024 Tāmata Hauhā Rātana side into the Premier semifinals in their return to the top grade.

“I think Rātana’s been good for Jamie, and Jamie’s been good for Rātana,” said Hamlin.

“When he speaks, people listen.”

The new face in the lineup is reserve lock Reuben Allen, who ironically joins the team on loan from the Hawke’s Bay, having been part of their academy setup and a 2024 Hurricanes Under 20’s player, although missing a contract to play for the Shield holders this season.

“The Hurricanes development staff – they’re keen to see him play Heartland,” said Hamlin.

“Having Josh Lane unavailable, meant having four locks was a must.

“He’s a lump of a land, and real keen to get into his footy.

“Hawke’s Bay have put to him areas of his game they want to see him improve.”

The coach was also pleased that leading lock Peter Travis Hay-Horton came through the Manawatu B victory in good shape, including the decisive run that set up Whanganui’s third try.

“He looked pretty good, and Ngapuke Patea I think played well last week, put a big effort in.”

Scoring that try was Faleseu Tauailoto, who will be the First Class debutant starting the match, with two others on the bench, as the Marton player’s presence means all six Premier clubs are represented in the squad, who will play in a special commemorative jersey for the occasion.

Hamlin has also decided to go all-local at halfback, as despite the impressive performance by former-Turbo Griffin Culver last weekend, youngster Eben Claassen gets the dream opportunity, backed up by Kahl Elers-Green.

“It’s really hard – a week ago Griffin wasn’t an option at all,” said Hamlin.

“Eben, I think we’ve seen a real development in his game, and for Kahl, it was a great opportunity for his experience.”

He still expected Culver to get a lot of game time during the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship.

“Last year we had six props and needed every one of them.

“You can’t keep everybody happy and can’t play everybody. These players this week get the chance.”

There are only six survivors from Whanganui’s last Shield challenge to Taranaki in 2018 up in Hawera - Whale, Hughes, Hay-Horton, Gabriel Hakaraia, Kamipeli Latu, and Ethan Robinson.

“That’s the by-product of not winning one of those [Heartland] Cups,” said Hamlin.

“It’s a good opportunity for the players, happy to see them to play a Shield match – it’s rugby history.

“We can just get out there and play some footy – don’t think there’s much pressure on us.

“Just challenge yourself on that.

“Few play in a venue such as McLean Park, it’s one of those iconic grounds around the country.”

Kickoff is at 3pm.

By Jared Smith

The Whanganui squad is –

1. Keightley Watson; 2. Alesana Tofa; 3. Gabriel Hakaraia; 4. Peter Travis Hay-Horton; 5. Matt Ashworth; 6. Josefa Namosimalua; 7. Jamie Hughes (c); 8. Doug Horrocks; 9. Eben Claassen; 10. Dane Whale; 11. Faleseu Tauailoto; 12. Timoci Seruwalu; 13. Alekesio Vakarorogo; 14. Peceli Malanicagi; 15.Tyler Rodgers-Holden.

Reserves – Forwards: 16. Joe Edwards; 17. Kereti Tamou; 18. Kamipeli Latu; 19. Ngapuke Patea; 20. Reuben Allen. Backs: 21. Kahl Elers-Green; 22. Ethan Robinson; 23. Mitai Hemi.