Exciting new era for Carterton

Carterton and Gladstone will be hoping that they can offset big hits in their playing stocks in some positions with gains in others.

Taking up the coaching reins at Carterton Chris Senior will be without two key players from recent seasons: captain and utility forward Johnie McFadzean (retired) and talented second-five eighth Andy Humberstone, (returned home to England).

But on the plus side, Carterton has picked up a core group of exciting young players whom Senior believes have the potential to bring some real “x-factor” to the side. They are Thomas Kainuku, David Gordon and Ethan Pinfold in the forwards, Utah Walker and Chester Rothery in the backs. On top of this,the maroons have also gained the services of Tongan Under-20 midfielder Sione Va’eno.

“I think we have depth and talent across our squad, and more importantly we have a squad of over 28 players to pick from, which is quite often the difference between being right up there at the end of the season,” Senior says.

“However, I am very aware that we will need to build our experience first, and that it will take our young players time to adjust to Senior rugby.”

Also adjusting to Senior rugby will be the coach himself. A former Wairarapa-Bush loose forward in his playing days, Senior’s coaching roles have until this season being at college level where he had tremendous success with the Wairarapa College 1st XV.

“It is definitely a different environment, with the challenge being managing players whose work clashes with rugby, less training time during a week and trying to unify players from different angles of motivations.”

Fortunately for him much of the hard work of setting up a learning culture has already been done, by his predecessors, so the players are more than willing to listen and learn, he says.

“The club is extremely organised, family focused and supportive which makes life easier.”

Out of town, but still in the Carterton district, family bonds will be strengthened at Gladstone with three brothers set to pull on the gold and black jersey. Already established in the side, Nick Griffith and Tim Griffith will be joined by their little bro’ Brad.

Gladstone coach Steve Thompson is confident of a strong showing this season, however laments a shortage of props.

“We are looking pretty good, but props are a big problem for us at this stage,” Thompson says.

Gladdy boast a formidable second row with the two Andrew’s, McLean and Smith, and have plenty of versatility in the loose forward department. Thompson says injury is likely to keep Eddie Cranston, (Wairarapa-Bush captain and open-side flanker), sidelined for the opening match against Pioneer this weekend