The 2018 Auckland Mitre 10 and Farah Palmer Cup squads were today named at the home of rugby in New Zealand, Eden Park.

This year’s men’s squad are looking forward to creating their own legacy in blue and white alongside a new look coaching team in the form of Head Coach Alama Ieremia and assistants Filo Tiatia, Tai Lavea and Sir Graham Henry. Mike Casey also makes a return to the province as the Scrum Coach.

Patrick Tuipulotu will play a leading role in the side again in 2018 with much to prove both personally and as part of a team that will want to right a number of wrongs from last season. The softly spoken leader understands that he is in a prime position to be at the forefront of yet another distinguished chapter of the Auckland Rugby legacy.

“The guys are shaping up well and looking good, particularly in terms of culture – it’s been impressive. Filo and Alama bring plenty of edge and intensity, on and off the field.”

"There's an underlying feeling that we have a lot to prove. Alama spoke on that when he presented to the team. We've got to wake the sleeping giant up.”

"The history is there, but we need to now focus on the present and do what we can."

The Storm, Auckland’s Farah Palmer Cup side, have long been the standard bearers for the rest of the country, but have been usurped in the last couple of years, first by Counties Manukau and then Canterbury.

They will have arguably the most talented and experienced side in the competition once all their Black Ferns return, but until then, will look to the latest wave of talent to come from the region.

Head Coach John (JP) Fa’amausili recognises the key importance of integrating the Black Fern players back into his young squad.

“We learned a lot last year in the way of campaign management and how we go about things as a management team. This year, we’ve worked really close with our Black Ferns and getting them involved early.”

“The World Cup last year proved to be a little challenging with integrating them into the Storm environment properly, but it’s something we’ve worked very hard on.”

Both sides are looking to return the “sleeping giant” to the top of the pile in 2018 and with the start of the season fast approaching, there is a sense of optimism that the giant of New Zealand Rugby is stirring.

2018 Auckland Mitre 10 Cup squad:

Sam Prattley (Pakuranga)

Jarred Adams (Suburbs)

Ezekiel Lindenmuth (Suburbs)

Marco Fepulea’i (Ponsonby)

Marcel Renata (University)

Taniela Koroi (Marist)

Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Grammar TEC)

Mike Sosene (Mount Wellington)

Robbie Abel (College Rifles)

Leif Schwencke (Suburbs)

Michael Fatialofa (Ponsonby)

Jamie Lane (Ponsonby)

Jack Whetton (Grammar TEC)

Patrick Tuipulotu (Ponsonby)

Faatiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe)

Dalton Papalii (Pakuranga)

Lyndon Dunshea (University)

Blake Gibson (Ponsonby)

Adrian Choat (Waitemata)

Akira Ioane (Ponsonby)

Taleni Seu (Grammar TEC)

Hoskins Sotutu (Marist)

Evan Olmstead (Suburbs)

Waimana Riedlinger-Kapa (Ponsonby)

Jonathan Ruru (University)

Leon Fukofuka (Marist)

Desma Liaina (Eden)

Harry Plummer (Grammar TEC)

Daniel Kirkpatrick (University)

Jacob Umaga (Eden)

TJ Faiane (Pakuranga)

Tanielu Tele’a (Marist)

Tumua Manu (College Rifles)

Melani Nanai (Manukau Rovers)

Joe Ravouvou (College Rifles)

Salesi Rayasi (Marist)

Caleb Clarke (Suburbs)

Rieko Ioane (Ponsonby)

AJ Lam (Grammar TEC)

Jordan Trainor (Ponsonby)

2018 Auckland Farah Palmer Cup wider squad:

Jacqui Aiono (Marist)

Melita Williams (Eden)

Lutie Sikoloni (Marist)

Aldora Itunu (Ponsonby)

Aleisha Nelson (Ponsonby)

Maiko Fujimoto (Ponsonby)

Maki Vaiouga (Marist)

Fiao’o Fa’amausili (Marist)

Vainga Moimoi (College Rifles)

Olalini Tafoulua (Marist)

Lumepa Apelu (College Rifles)

Alakoka Po’oi (College Rifles)

Linda Itunu (Ponsonby)

Eloise Blackwell (Eden)

Charmaine Smith (College Rifles)

Moane Fine Aso Levi (Marist)

Misaki Suzuki (Marist)

Jodie Losch (Eden)

Joanna Fanene (Marist)

Charmaine McMenamin (Ponsonby)

Aeron Warbrooke (Ponsonby)

Lose Mafi (Marist)

Kiritapu Demant (College Rifles)

Margarette Nena (Eden)

Jennifer Rose Reu (Marist)

Jokaveti Waqanivalu (Ponsonby)

Ruahei Demant (College Rifles)

Chantelle Schofield (Eden)

Lauren Sa’u (Marist)

Savah Gautusa (College Rifles)

Theresa Fitzpatrick (Ponsonby)

Leilani Fuikefu (Marist)

Sarah Filimoeatu (Southern Cross Campus)

Natahlia Moors (Ponsonby)

Lara Diamond (Eden)

Hasting Leiataua (Marist)

Ricshay Lemanu (Papatoetoe)

Hinemoa Watene (College Rifles)

Sima Hala (College Rifles)