There are eight new faces in the North Otago squad to play Auckland in a Ranfurly Shield challenge in Oamaru on July 22.
Valley prop John Blakely, Maheno lock Marc Comb, Maheno loose forward Sione Aho and Excelsior loose forward Samisoni Tongo Tongo are newcomers to the forward pack.
In the backs, Hamish McKenzie, whose father and three uncles played for North Otago, has been named as one of the halfbacks.
He has played for Wairarapa Bush and the New Zealand Divisional XV.
Chris Talanoa, of Exelsior, has been named as the utility back, while two new contenders, Tim Milmine and Mike Penn have been named for the fullback berth.
North Otago coach Mike Mullins is excited about the newcomers as he gears up for the challenge.
"I've been impressed with Sione Aho. He's got great ball skills and is a a talented ball-carrier while he has the added advantage of extra height to become a line-out option.
"Samisoni Tongo Tongo made quite an impression last season before he was injured. Again, he's a skilful ball-carrier and is a very strong tackler.
"Fraser Fletcher from Heriot wants to play first-class rugby and he travels each week to play for Kurow.
"Lock Marc Comb plays for the Bedford club in England and he's impressed in club rugby."
The backline looks to be lacking in experience, although Nick Webster, also named as a halfback, has played for Nelson Bays, Mid Canterbury and North Otago, while Nathan Cunningham, who debuted for North Otago while at Waitaki Boys High School in 1992, will bolster the backline and will play his 48th game for the side in the Shield match.
Mullins is positive about the form of the new backs.
"Excelsior's Chris Talanoa has proved his versatility in club rugby and is quick.
"Tim Milmine was named in the larger squad last season but did not play in any Heartland games.
He's one of the top try-scorers in club rugby this season, while Mike Penn, who plays for Old Boys, is an Englishman who plays for Worcester Rugby Academy and England under-19 and is an out-and-out fullback."
The squad will train on Wednesdays at 7pm to avoid clashes with clubs preparing for semifinals and finals.
North Otago squad For the Ranfurly Shield challenge on July 22: Toetuu Hausia, Lotu Tonga, John Blakely, Tobias Sekona, Fraser Fletcher, Aisake Fonua, Taua Limuloa (Tahaafe), Marc Comb, Sione Aho, Samisoni Tongo Tongo, Ross Hay, Viliami Leo, Joe Mamea (c), Hamish McKenzie, Nick Webster, Jeremy Te Huia, Nathan Cunningham, Ekeroma Sefo, Siaosi Folau, Chris Talanoa, Tim Milmine, Mike Penn.
