Sean Withy leads a 23-man Southland Stags squad into Rugby Park on Friday night when the SBS Bank Southland Stags host Northland in the Hetaraka "Peter" Tetai Trophy — kick-off 7.10pm.

Withy wears the captaincy armband for what shapes as a fortress test on home turf. Nine players are unavailable, including Mitch Dunshea, Sef Fa'agase, Sam Fischli, Jimmy Taylor, Tayne Harvey, Scott Gregory, Hunter Fahey, Jack Taylor and Caleb Karangaroa — a lengthy absentee list that thins the depth chart and puts genuine pressure on those named to back up.

The starting XV is built around a tight-five of Jack Sexton, Jayden Henderson and Paula Latu in the front row, with William Kirkwood and Alefosio Aho in the engine room. Withy and Gregor Rutledge flank Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa at the base of the scrum.

Nic Shearer gets the nine jersey, with Mika Muliaina at first-five. Wil Gualter and Fletcher Morgan form the midfield, with Denzel Samoa, Michael Manson and Glen Vaihu completing the back three.

The bench carries Shaun Kempton, Jack Barrett, Darius Fidow, Kasaloma Ahokovi, Konrad Toleafoa, Jackson Hughan, Josh Jennings and Josh Augustine — a mix that will need to be ready to shift momentum if the starting group feels the heat.

Rugby Park, Invercargill. Friday October 2.

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