NZ's Bartercard Cup competition
kicks off this weekend

The 2004 New Zealand Bartercard Cup competition finally kicks off across the country this weekend.

With a change around in teams this year, we now see the exit of the Marlins and the Wildcats from the 2004 competition.

New replacements The Waicoa Bay Stallions, co-coached by Tawera Nikau and Len Reid certainly have a tough first up game where they face the North Harbour Tigers at their home ground in Huntly.

Other newcomers the Counties Manukau Jets also have a home game first up when they take on the 2003 champions, the Canterbury Bulls, in Papakura.

It will certainly be a tough competition this year. As more and more scouts from overseas head to New Zealand to spot the young talent available in the country, The young players will certainly be playing to their fullest to impress.

Bartercard Cup - Round 1:

Friday 16 April 2004:

Counties Manukau Jets vs Canterbury Bulls Massey Park - Papakura, Auckland 7.30 pm Kick Off Counties Manukau Jets: L. Finnerty, W. Leolahi, G. Aliki, H. Barclay, P. Tafea, J. Ioapo, A. Herangi, A. Pereira, C. Motu, N. Sue, A. Tusani, S Fa'aologo, W. Barnett (C) Reserves: M. Vili, A. Wharton, G. Konelio, T. Ufi Coach: Dean Hunter Canterbury Bulls: J. McDonald, P. McDonald, C. Fraser, R. Martin, R. Hanson, A. Harris (C), M.Clarkson, V. Whare, A. Auimatagi, A. Timo, S. Wallace, C. Newton, C. Lawrie Reserves: J. Manning, P. Asi, K. Ferris, T. Pelenise Coach: Phil Prescott

Saturday 17 April 2004: Central Falcons vs Marist Richmond Brothers Fitzherbert Park, Palmerston North 2.30 pm Kick Off Central Falcons: N. Ngaru, S. Forbes, M. Whakatihi, W. Live, N. Coburn, T. Clune, P. Hales, W. Wharepapa, L. Erihe, M. Graham (C), J. Watson, T. Greig, D. Kahuroa Reserves: R. Hurunui, D. Fa'apito, S. Leota, P. Aumua Coach: Peter Sixtus Marist Richmond Brothers: J. Tavita, H. Kapi, R. Henry, W. Letiu, T. Ropati, M. Perenara, G. Rota, E. Tuimavave, M. France, S. Sika, H. Turua, K. Guttenbeil, A. Su'a Reserves: K. Cawdron, I. Va'afilua, B. Douglas, E. Leavau Coach: Bernie Perenara

Eastern Manukau Tornadoes vs Glenora Bears Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30 pm Kick Off Eastern Manukau Tornadoes: T. Hewitt, N. Ngametua, R. Piakura, S. Moala, J. Taurarii, S. Lauese, H. Taurarii, A. Lafaele, H. Rangi, A. Leau, I. Liavaa, S. Paeu, K. Umbers Reserves: D. Harriman, M. Latu, P. Menary, L. Lafaele Coach: Boss Cecil Glenora Bears: C. Waide, C. Nahu, L. Waqa, K. Alefosio, T. Filemoehala, G. Lilo, M. Nathan, M. Toelau (C), Z. Pocklington, V. Mafi, K. Edmonson, L. Tamatoa, A. Iole Reserves: M. Alai, R. Ah Van, T. Tuisilia, I. Retcliff Coach: Geoff Morton

Waicoa Bay Stallions vs North Harbour Tigers Davies Park, Huntly 3.00 pm Kick Off Waicoa Bay Stallions: B. Ingram, R. Peri, V. Moana-Mason, J. Kaho, H. Wilson, T. Matthews, H. Karena, D. Wahanga, G. Norton (C), J. David, H. Kingi, D. Kete, K. Tumoana Reserves: T. Soti, N. Kaa, B. Tawera, B. Whitiora Coach: Tawera Nikau / Len Reid North Harbour Tigers: T. Samoa, K. Johnson, T. Fatui, T. Fortes, G. Macpherson, D. Vasau, J. Trott, J. Duff, Q. Ikitana (C), D. Trott, M. Rereti, T. Ah Voa, D. Moses Reserves: D. Glasgon, C. Tupou, A. Aukafolau, J. Kamirea Coach: Karl Benson / Kenneth MacIntosh

Wellington vs Mt Albert Lions Porirua Stadium, Wellington 7.30 pm Kick Off Wellington: D. Laula, F. Luamanu, V. Mellars, W. Puohotaua, B. Ratahi, C. Fox, J. McDonald, T. Lavulaull, J. Carnegie, F. Laumua, D. Rota, C. Savali, T. Hall Reserves: D. Hape, M. Nathan, H. Heke, J. Taikato Coach: P. Bergman Mt Albert Lions: A. Bauer, R. Baxter, A. Swann, C. Tuimavave, M. Manu, S. Buckingham (C), J. Noble, M. Tookey, L. Talamainao, D.Sullivan, K. Papa, P. Campbell, T. Tuimavave Reserves: S. Pouha, R. Wigg, M. Asova, G. Maleata-Brown Coach: Brian McClennan

Sunday 18 April 2004: Otahuhu Ellerslie vs Hibiscus Coast Raiders Ericsson No.2, Auckland 2.30 pm Kick Off Otahuhu Ellerslie: P. Aitken, G. Ruka, P. Fisiahi, D. Fisiahi, W. Pakalani, J. Yandall, C. Witini, S. Faitala, J. Vaafusuaga, D. Himiona, R. Johnson, T. Frost, M. Langdon Reserves: S. Niuela, S. Tueafo, E. Leuluai, J. Tavaga Coach: James Leuluai Hibiscus Coast Raiders: C. Te Kere, R. Gilmore, O. Manuel, D. Tepu, J. Vaifale, D. Floyd, M. Ashe, S. Stowers, C. Shears, T. Nikore, W. Henare, T. Raniera, J. Tavaga Reserves: T. Thompson, G. Moana, S. Tereora, I. Hayes Coach: Tony Benson