Coaches Barry Matthews and Shane Carter have announced an interim squad to prepare for North Otago's first Heartland Championship game against West Coast in Dunedin on Sunday, August 7.
Lack of match practice after two early pre-season games against Otago and Canterbury has been alleviated, with a North Otago XV arranged to play against a South Canterbury equivalent on July 30.
Although the current squad contains no loan players, Matthews indicated they would be utilised.
"A number of unions have not yet finalised their club competitions but it is envisaged that some loan players may be included for the West Coast game," Matthew said.
"With the ITM Cup finishing early some players may be available from this competition as well.
"Nothing has been finalised yet but we're probably looking at a front-rower, a midfield back and an outside back."
Two new names appear in the squad. Lee Murray is an openside flanker from Cromwell who transferred to Maheno during the season, and Steven Smith is a 19-year-old back from the Bedford club in England.
North Otago
Heartland Championship squad
• Forwards: Harry Fry, Palenapa Mafi, Ralph Darling, Dylan Winter, Eric Duff, Aisake Fonua, Leiataua Limuloa, Man Taiiti, Lee Murray, Carn Parata, Tevita Fifita, Wallace Milne, Rob Mafileo, Dan Groundwater, Josh Collier.
• Backs: Hamish McKenzie, Jason Forrest, Ben Patston, Chris Talanoa, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Lemi Masoe, Christopher Bart, Billy Guyton, Sione Kasanova, Steven Smith.
- Terry O'Neill
