• Southland Stags will face Wellington in the Paladin Trophy match on September 7th.
  • Coaches Matt Saunders and James Wilson announced a strong lineup for the important fixture.
  • Several key players are unavailable due to injuries, including Woody Kirkwood and Connor Collins.

The Southland Stags are gearing up to take on Wellington in the Paladin Trophy match this Saturday, 7th September. The game is set to take place at Porirua Park, kicking off at 2:05 PM. Co-coaches Matt Saunders and James Wilson have put forward a competitive squad, determined to make their mark in this key fixture.

Leading the Stags is captain Sean Withy, who will take the field alongside experienced players like Josh Bekhuis and Jake Stachan. The team also features standout players such as Leroy Ferguson, Morgan Mitchell, and Rory van Vugt in the backline. Here is the full squad:

  1. Joseph Walsh
  2. Nic Souchon
  3. Morgan Mitchell
  4. Shneil Singh
  5. Josh Bekhuis
  6. Sean Withy (C)
  7. Leroy Ferguson
  8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
  9. Lachie Albert
  10. Jake Stachan
  11. Michael Manson
  12. Faletoi Peni
  13. Isaac Te Tamaki
  14. Charlie Powell
  15. Rory van Vugt
  16. Jacob Payne (Blazer Game – 15th Game)
  17. Hunter Fahey
  18. Hamdahn Tuipulotu
  19. Daniel Maiava
  20. Hayden Michaels
  21. Liam Howley
  22. Byron Smith
  23. Viliami Fine

Several players, unfortunately, won’t be in the lineup due to injuries. Blair Ryall, Connor Collins, Paula Latu, Jack Sexton, Matt Whaanga, Jay Renton, and Woody Kirkwood, who is out for the season, were all unavailable for selection. However, Jacob Payne will celebrate a milestone with his blazer game, marking his 15th appearance for the Stags.

The Stags will be looking to bring their best performance against Wellington, with the coveted Paladin Trophy on the line – a prize contested between unions with Paladin Sports as their apparel partner.

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