Star’s Niko Manaena Back For Southland Stags

Young Southland born and raised loosehead prop Niko Manaena is back for the Stags in 2022.

Niko, 21, made his debut for the Stags in 2020 against Tasman, before a run of injuries forced time off the field in 2021.

Niko is a former Southland Boys High 1st XV player who prides being from Southland and in the Stags as a special privilege, one only a small group of students achieve through determination and attitude.

“It’s a pretty special feeling being able to represent my hometown”. Said Manaena.

For forwards coach David Hall, having Niko back and rearing to go is great.

“We feel for Niko and his unfortunate run of injuries. He just returned last week to club and will have to continue working hard in that space over the next two months to get himself ready for the NPC”, said Hall.

”He is a big powerful young lad with the ability to play both sides of the scrum.”, a skill that any union in the country is happy to have in a prop.

Niko is a member of the Star Premier Club Rugby Team in the Go Bus Southland Premier Division.