Lilicama is on the right wing for the Old Golds’ testing first-up game against Mid Canterbury in Ashburton, the clash doubling as a Hanan Shield challenge.
While the Fijian flyer is still at St Kevin’s College, he played senior club rugby for Athletic Marist all season because he was ineligible for the Otago First XV competition, and he has developed physically to the point there will be no fears he will be out of place at representative level.
There is a double celebration for St Kevin’s, as one of the school’s teachers, Craig Smith, is also set to make his debut.
Smith, better known as a brisk medium-pacer for the Otago cricket team, lines up at fullback after helping Maheno win the Citizens Shield last month.
Two other Maheno players — towering former Waikato B prop Dan Towler and blossoming openside flanker Marcus Balchin — are making their first Heartland Championship appearances for the Old Golds, though Towler went on North Otago’s three-game tour of Canada and has previously played for King Country.
Other newcomers to Heartland rugby who were on the Canadian trip are Taieri first five-eighth Josh Casey, University A centre Shae Tucker, Harbour lock Sione Misiloi — a player of origin, as he was schooled in Oamaru — and Excelsior hooker Joe Pickett.
The mystery new cap is No8 Lucas Goodin, an Australian who has just joined North Otago from Hawke’s Bay.
Co-captains Ralph Darling and Robbie Smith, powerful lock Jared Whitburn and veteran second five Lemi Masoe provide the experience to go with the new faces.
The bench includes talented Old Boys youngster Filipo Veamatahu, on the comeback trail after injury wrecked his club season, Welsh midfielder Cameron Morris and former Pirates halfback Tyron Davies.
North Otago team
To play Mid Canterbury
Craig Smith, Simon Lilicama, Shae Tucker, Lemi Masoe, Matthew Vocea, Josh Casey, Robbie Smith (co-captain), Lucas Goodin, Marcus Balchin, Maene Mapusaga, Sione Misiloi, Jared Whitburn, Dan Towler, Joe Pickett, Ralph Darling (co-captain). Reserves: Jake Greenslade, Robbie Richardson, Soni Tongotongo, Filipo Veamatahau, Tyron Davies, Oscar Pamment, Cameron Morris/Inoke Naufahu.
