Bartercard Cup - Round 8 Preview

Round 8 of New Zealand's Bartercard Cup has some interesting match ups as always.

Eastern Tornadoes after suffering their loss last week to Glenora have another tough opponent this week when they take on Marist Richmond Brothers. This will be a battle and a half, being very hard to pick a win. Definitely one to go and watch. With Warrior player Justin Murphy once again stepping out for the Tornadoes, they will have a few more options around the field. Marist will probably have to do without Tevita Latu who will more than likely be playing in Sydney with the NZ Warriors, but have a lot to make up for after their shock loss to Wellington in Round 7.

Eastern Tornadoes vs. Marist Richmond Brothers, 14 June 2003, Ericsson No.2 . Kick off at 2:30pm.

Eastern Tornadoes

P. Fisiiahi, J. Murphy, G. Tupou, W. Su?a ?, N. Ngaretua, J. Noble, T. Leuluai, K. Mene, H. Rangi, E. Pele, L. Tufeao, F. Tupou, P. Leuluai; (reserves) N. Scanlon, U. Paniani, J. Pai, C. Wetini. Coach: James Leuluai

Marist Richmond Brothers

J. Tiavale, T. Ropati, R. Henry, S. Makisi, B. Collins, J. Ropati, G. Rota, T. Taua?, T. Latu, E. Tuimavave, H. Turua ?, K. Guttenbeil, S. Lavea; (reserves) K. Cawdron, T. Raela, B. Douglas, F. Prescott. Coach: Bernie Perenara

The Central Falcons host the visiting Manuwera Marlins. The Falcons will have a bit of confidence after their win over Taranaki last weekend, but the Marlins are certainly not lacking in talent and should win away from home.

Central Falcons vs. Manurewa Marlins, 14 June 2003, Fitzherbert Park. Kick off at 2:30pm

Central Falcons

N. Ngaru, N. Coburn, J. Henderson, W. Live, S. Forbes, B. Hekenui, D. Wilson, W. Wharepapa, D. Cook ?, M. Graham, J. Royal, S. Leota, T. Clune; (reserves) S. Kanavatoa, D. Kahuroa, J. Cowan, M. Timoti. Coach: Peter Sixtus

Manurewa Marlins

B. Ingram, T. Karaka, S. Stosic, S. Foketi, P. Borell, D. Hemopo, T. Matthews, T. Ufi, J. Carnegie, C. Fa?avae, D. Latele, A. Tusani, S. Tupou ?; (reserves) T. Pamatangi, M. Suniula, C. Rogers, J. Matai. Coach: Kelly Shelford

The Wellington side travel up to Auckland when they play the Otahuhu Leopards who will be brimming with enthusiasm after their upset win over Canterbury in Round 7. Boycie Nelson returning from overseas has certainly lifted the Leopards and although Wellington upset Marist last week at home, I don't think their good fortune will carry on this weekend.

Otahuhu Leopards vs. Wellington, 14 June 2003, Henham Park. Kick off at 2:30pm .

Otahuhu Leopards

P. Atkins, M. Katoa, P. Tafea, B. Nelson, T. Laiseni, T. No?ovao, J. Yandall, S. Niulea, E. Mann ?, G. Tuakura, N. Thammavongsa, M. Vili, M. Langdon; (reserves) K. Pittman, A. Wharton, B. Vaeau, L. Heta. Coach: Trevor McLeod

Wellington

V. Apu?ula, S. Helu, N. Taumoli, T. Auva?a ?, J. Tamanika, A. Wereta, R. Leafe, J. Tuimaualuga, M. So?otaga, T. Lavulavu, F. Saumolia, L. Solofa, F. Piva; (reserves) J. Monu, W. Teleaga, T. Hall, F. Laumua. Coach: Gerard Stokes

The Tigers host the bottom of the table Taranaki Wildcats at Birkenhead. Really, the North Harbour side should run away with the win.

North Harbour Tigers vs. Taranaki Wildcats, 14 June 2003, Birkenhead Memorial Park. Kick off at 2:30pm

North Harbour Tigers

K. Ganley, W. Roberts, K. Johnson, L. Copestake, R. Retimana, K. McIntosh, C. Mataora, A. Aukafolau, Q. Ikifana ?, J. Duff, G. Hau, K. Asiata, J. Vaotogo; (reserves) G. MacPherson, R. Kinkaid, J. Kamareiera, A. Wikitera. Coach: Karl Benson/Ken McIntosh

Taranaki Wildcats

B. Ngata, N. Hohaia, B. Ratahi, S. Hoskin, D. Rameka, V. Hill, J. Hoskin, W. Parker, K. Martin ?, J. Eparaima, G. Towers, H. Blackburn, J. Ngamotu; (reserves) M. Ione, H. Kete, P. Heihei, R. Luke. Coach: Alan Jackson

The match of the round for me is on Saturday night when the Bulls playing at home, come up against the Mt Albert Lions. The Bulls are not travelling well, so back at home on a cool Christchurch night, they should give the Lions a run for their money. The Mt Albert side have lost down there before, so will not want to have history repeat itself. A tough one to call a winner, but if the Lions play up to scratch they should win.

Canterbury Bulls vs. Mt Albert Lions, 14 June 2003, Rugby League Park 7:00pm

Canterbury Bulls

S. Wallace, E. Hei Hei, J. Taipari, L. Sione, R. Hanson, A. Harris, J. O?Brien, V. Whare, S. Beyers, A. Timo, C. Lawrie, C. Newton, T. Wallace; (reserves) J. Manning, C. Hereotukutuku, K. Ferris, T. Pelenise. Coach: Phil Prescott

Mt Albert Lions

A. Bauer, G. Rattenbury, H. Va?sa, A. Fungapo, A. Ikihele, M. No?ovao, S. Buckingham ?, P. Campbell, J. Fiu, P. Teniseli, S. Fa?logo, M. Asoau, W. McDade; (reserve) K. Wright, S. Pouha, P. Kailea, B. Ivory,. Coach: John Ackland

The top of the table Raiders have Glenora Bears coming to play on Sunday afternoon. It's very hard to go past the Raiders at the moment with players like Floyd, Ata and Aspin completely on song, and leading the team from the front. In saying this, the Bears have been very impressive of late, and will certainly give the Coast boys a few scares.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs. Glenora Bears, 15 June 2003, Stanmore Bay Reserve. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders

D. Floyd, J. Vaifale, S. Ata, S. Finefeuiaki, D. Jones, C. King, A. Aspin ?, S. Tereora, R. Wigg, P. Bidios, T. Pau, T. Raniera, T. Nikora; (reserves) C. Shears, M. Heke, S. Stowers, TBC. Coach: Tony Benson/Brian McClennan

Glenora Bears

T. Edwards, T. Fa?pito, A. Iole, L. Tamatoa, S. Halatoa, G. Bailey ?, A. Clyde, A. Pereira, K. Robarts, B. Valeni, L. Toli, M. Toelau, K. Edmondson; (reserves) H. Lauaki, J. Rua, J. Papali?i, A. Fuimaono. Coach: Dean Hunter

Games at a glance:

Eastern Tornadoes vs. Marist Richmond Brothers, 14 June 2003, Ericsson No.2 . Kick off at 2:30pm.

Central Falcons vs. Manurewa Marlins, 14 June 2003, Fitzherbert Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Otahuhu Leopards vs. Wellington, 14 June 2003, Henham Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

North Harbour Tigers vs. Taranaki Wildcats, 14 June 2003, Birkenhead Memorial Park. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Canterbury Bulls vs. Mt Albert Lions, 14 June 2003, Rugby League Park. Kick off at 7:00pm.

Hibiscus Coast Raiders vs. Glenora Bears, 15 June 2003, Stanmore Bay Reserve. Kick off at 2:30pm.