Position in 2019
4th in Championship
Talking points
The Tasman Mako squad is a balanced one of both youth and experience and they’ll be in safe hands with Bosman (nee Ngatai) as the new head coach. They have a brand new coaching line up, with Steve Curtis as backs coach and former Tasman Mako and Super Rugby player Billy Guyton in charge of skills. Bosman made 17 appearances for the Black Ferns between 2004 and 2010, including two World Cups.
Bosman said the talent is in the Tasman region and her job going forward is to develop the structures to give the players self-belief and confidence and make it a side that players want to play for.
The Tasman Mako have 10 uncapped players in their squad, and have announced a new captain, with prop Anna Bradley to wear the skippers’ armband.
One of the new uncapped players is 19 year-old loose forward Pallas Andrew out of Buller High School. Talented winger Taylor Curtis boosts the backline and joins the Mako from Canterbury.
Player to watch: Demi Salton
At just 20, Demi Salton has already played 12 Farah Palmer Cup games. The midfielder plays for Waimea Old Boys RFC and attended Waimea College. She was part of the Red Bull Ignite7 tournament at the end of last year, showing plenty of promise.
Tasman Mako squad
Anna Bradley, Stephani Mitchell, Louise Nalder, Stacey Davis, Alisi Seigafo, Ashley Ulutupu, Diane Huntley, Hannah Gillespie, Gina Healey, Erika Saunders, Elisha Godsiff, Pallas Andrew, Jess Harvie, Hopaea Hillman, Tanita Garnett, Tamara Silcock, Jamie Paenga, Pippa Andrews, Bethan Manners, Demi Salton, Anya Schultz, Eve Findlay, Alesha Dempster, Ariana Te Kawa-Wiremu, Michelle Curry, Amanda Fitisemanu, Sydnee Wilkins, Rebecca Kersten, Taylor Curtis
Coaches: Mel Bosman (Head coach), Steve Curtis (Assistant coach), Billy Guyton (Assistant coach)
Tasman Mako draw
Tasman v Wellington
Saturday 12 September
1pm Lansdowne Park
Manawatu v Tasman
Sunday 20 September
11.35am Central Energy Trust Arena
Tasman v Otago
Saturday 26 September
11.35am Trafalgar Park
Tasman v Hawke’s Bay
Sunday 4 September
12pm Sports Park
Tasman BYE
Saturday 10 October
Canterbury v Tasman
Sunday 18 October
12pm Rugby Park