Three new midfield backs named

Press, 2 April 1987, Page 44

Three new midfield backs named

Three midfield backs without previous experience for Canterbury, Andrew Vincent (Papanui), Phil Cross (Hornby) and Vince McCue (Eastern), have been included in the provincial rugby league team for next month’s northern tour.

Vincent, aged 19, McCue, who is one year older, and Cross, aged 24, have made impressive starts to the season.

All have fine credentials for first-class football — Vincent was twice a Junior Kiwi, Cross topped the club try-scoring list last winter, and McCue earned age-grade representative honours.

Their shared immediate goal is to join the vicecaptain, Steve Campbell, in a new Canterbury centre combination. Campbell’s regular partner, Lance Setu, is filling

the loose forward role for Hornby. The 17-man squad includes two players, Brendon Tuuta and Esene Faimalo, who did not participate in the Radio Avon tournament but whose outstanding deeds last season demanded their retention.

Although his recent appearances for MaristWestern Suburbs have been as an inside back,

Heemi Wihongi regains the full-back position. John Griffiths (Hornby) was not available because of an impending employ-ment-related transfer. All eight of the forwards named have served Canterbury successfully in the past, and Wayne Wallace (Marist-Western) has been restored to . the captaincy he relinquished when on tour with the Kiwis last year.

The team is.— Heemi Wihongi, Pomare Connell, Steve Mather, Andrew Vincent, Phil Cross, Steve Campbell (vice-captain), Vince McCue, Phil Bancroft, Brendon Tuuta, Russell Tuuta, Gary McLauchlan, Ross Taylor, John Green, Esene Faimalo, Wayne Wallace (captain), Mark Frame, Barry Edkins.

Training Show Grounds, Sunday, 9 a.m. — advt.