Leading the way is veteran halfback Bryn Hall, who returns for his 15th NPC campaign and sits on 99 North Harbour appearances. He is set to become just the ninth player in union history to reach 100 matches for Harbour, providing invaluable leadership for a squad featuring 20 new caps.
The 39-man group includes 16 players with current or previous Super Rugby experience, while the club pathway remains at the heart of the squad's makeup. Eighteen of the 20 new caps have earned their opportunity through standout performances in North Harbour's Premier 1 competition.
Among those rewarded are East Coast Bays hooker Moses Hafoka, who impressed after progressing through Harbour's wider training group, North Shore hooker James Fairbairn, Silverdale lock Gus Farnan, Takapuna first five Coby Miln, Mahurangi midfielder Iosefo Namoce, and North Shore outside back Rory Taylor.
Exciting outside back Israel Leota earns his first North Harbour contract after impressing for East Coast Bays and spending time in the Moana Pasifika environment. The powerful outside back has developed a reputation as a damaging ball carrier with genuine pace and now gets the opportunity to showcase his talents on the NPC stage.
Returning loose forward Tristyn Cook is among a core of experienced campaigners that includes Jed Melvin, Kade Banks and Oscar Koller, providing continuity alongside an exciting crop of emerging talent.
With a century milestone looming for Hall and a new generation ready to make its mark, North Harbour enters the season with a squad built on local pride, proven experience and genuine opportunity.
The North Harbour squad is:
James Fairbairn, Bryn Gordon, Moses Hafoka, Oscar Cowley-Andrea, Bradley Fifita, Toma Laumalili, Tony Tafa, Riley Tofilau, Leka Tu’ungafasi, Cam Christie, Gus Farnan, James Fiebig, Jack Lee, Taeao Pomale-Time, Tristyn Cook, Malaesaili Elato, AJ Lemalu, Jed Melvin, Motikai Murray, George Reeves, Dane Sawers, Wallace Sititi, Sam Tu’itupou, Bryn Hall, Nui Muriwai, Sam Wye, Cam Howell, Oscar Koller, Coby Miln, Tom Barham, Leo Gordon, Iosefo Namoce, Kade Banks, Tima Fainga’anuku, Israel Leota, Tyler Pulini, Sofai Notoa-Tipo, Hunter Rice, Rory Taylor