West Taieri
Last year: Champions.
The oil: West Taieri are looking to build on last year’s victorious season. The Pigs have added more firepower to their side in the form of Otago Country No8 Conor Lawson and country rugby veteran Logan Moore. Their set piece will once again be strong, and their backline will be led well by talented first five Callum Smeaton.
Players to watch: Conor Lawson, Eli Ellison, Cooper Keach.
Prediction: Finalists.
Clutha
Last year: Runners-up.
The oil: Clutha have named one of the youngest squads in recent seasons, which is an exciting prospect. They have had some strong wins over Alhambra-Union and Alexandra in the preseason that will give them confidence. Clutha have the bye in round one so they can relax and prepare for the week after. Keep an eye out for new signings Jonty Sopp and William Casey in the backs.
Players to watch: Kael Merrett, Max Pennell, Sam Stratford.
Predicted finish: Semifinalists.
Heriot
Last year: Third.
The oil: Heriot have lost some backs who were key in their rise to finish third last season. Their forward pack will be as strong as ever, but they may struggle to get the same go-forward and direction they had out wide in 2023. Centre Cam Morris had a big season last year and is predicted to have another cracker in 2024.
Players to watch: Tyson Adams, Cam Morris, Daniel Arnesen.
Predicted finish: Bottom five.
Mikal Tuari (Toko) has Dion Shaw in support as he looks for some space against Clutha Valley at Clydevale last season. PHOTO: SI LEEDS
Toko
Last year: Fourth.
The oil: Toko have lost upwards of 12 players from their sizable squad last season. These players were not just fringe players, either, and numerous starters have pulled the pin. This is worrying, as their 150th jubilee is scheduled for next year. Toko will still be competitive, but will they have the same amount of impact with so many players deserting them? One thing is for certain: the Axemen will not die wondering and will give everything they have to keep the team in the top four.
Players to watch: Dylan Greer, Jacky Scott, David Taoai.
Predicted finish: Bottom five.
Crescent
Last year: Fifth.
The oil: Crescent have welcomed back some key players into their already strong squad for this season. Utility back Chase Owen is perhaps the major factor, as he has recovered from the Achilles injury that kept him out last season. Crescent have recruited well, too, with numerous changes to their already stacked forward pack. This could be the year we see Crescent take that next step towards glory.
Players to watch: Kace Shaw, Ryan Gwynn, Chase Owen.
Predicted finish: Finalists.
Lawrence
Last year: Sixth.
The oil: Lawrence have named a skeleton squad at this stage of the season with hopes some more players will come out of the woodwork. The Nuggets have a committed core of players who will serve them well and produce moments of brilliance. Depth is the key issue for them.
Players to watch: Sam Wyber, Azmir Aryal, Caleb Kitto.
Predicted finish: Bottom five.
Clutha Valley
Last year: Seventh.
The oil: A fantastic preseason from Clutha Valley featured two wins and a close loss to Central champions Alexandra in a game of three halves. Valley welcome back some key players as well as introduce some more talented players to their ranks. Thomas Johnson returns from Zingari to steer the ship. Keep an eye out for hooker David Matsas and lock Cody Storer.
Players to watch: Thomas Johnson, Jared Edwards, Damian Wilson.
Predicted finish: Semifinalists.
Owaka
Last year: Eighth
The oil: Owaka have built nicely throughout the preseason and finished strongly with a 26-0 win over local rivals Tokanui. The Swamp Hens have plenty of numbers in their squad to start the season and will want to hit the ground running. They have a refreshed approach and a new gameplan which seems to be working. Exciting times at Swamp Hen Park.
Players to watch: Sene Te’o, Daniel Miller, Siaosi Lepua.
Predicted finish: Bottom five.
Clinton
Last year: Ninth.
The oil: A young Clinton squad is another year older and more experienced. They have grown tighter as a unit and have played some positive rugby in the preseason. Being one of the only teams to play three preseason games will put the Wild Horses in good stead for their opener against Lawrence, which is a key game at such an early stage of the season.
Players to watch: Ben Witt, Callum Maze, Blake Dodds.
Predicted finish: Bottom five.
■TOMORROW: Central Otago season preview
