Auckland GS
The Auckland GS Coaching staff will have a hard decision to make when it comes to the halves and it’s not over the No.9 Jersey. Tom Strachan had a very good year last year and I felt he grew his game as well on the field. It looks like he is playing with more confidence, his pass was more accurate and followed the game ruck to ruck a lot better. I know that you will say that his goal kicking needs work, and your right but that is something that can be easily fixed, so that’s not really a worry for me. Now they have two 1st 5/8’s to choose from in Cory Evans and Ryeli Samuels both very strong players and they can both get the job done. Ryeli did a great job last year to cover Corey as he was injured, but I do think they will go with Corey and Ryeli will go to Fullback where we will be able to see his running game better. Corey and Tom would make the strongest 9/10 combo in the country and they will be a hard combo shut down. Corey has gotten bigger over the past summer and so putting him down in the tackle off a right foot step is going to be a whole lot harder this year and I think Corey is going to be a Super Star.
Sacred Heart College 
There is no surprise that this team is going to be led around by one of the best players in the country Taufa Funaki. Taufa will be the one that controls all stages of the game and dictates everything that goes on. His ability to play at speed and accuracy is the big problem for everyone this year, he can create on the run making gaps open up all over the place just from showing the ball, throwing dummy passes and his quick foot work. At 1st 5/8 they have a few options and even though Josh Jacomb finished the season in the 10 Jersey I still think that it’s open for guys like Chay Fihaki and Brian Leali’ifano to have a shot at it. Chay and Brian can also fit into 2nd 5/8 or Center and also Fullback and so it’s not like they are one dimensional but it will be a great battle for the 10 spot.
Otago BHS
This is a big year for Tevita because I think he will be at his best showing selectors that his game is there at the top with the rest of them. Tevita had a very good year last year, I felt that when I was watching him it wasn’t so much the flash stuff that showed out, but the control he had over the game plan and making things happen. I want to see that happen again this year and with the trip to South Africa coming up he’ll make some big jumps in his game from being there and facing teams with different looks to them. James Arscot also has an opportunity to showcase his NZSS talent level. As one of the guys that made huge leaps last year in terms of getting his name out there, he has played so well that he has made himself a player they have to look to when they are looking at the best 9’s in the country. Aggressive on attack and very vocal he get’s the team moving and gets the game working. He is kind of that Halfback you would see back in the days a real old school approach and I think that’s what these guys need.
Christchurch BHS
Louie Chapman is going to make the Crusaders U18 team for the 3rd time this year, he is also going to be the best Halfback on the South Island and maybe even the 2nd best in the country. Louie is going to be one of the best Christchurch BHS players I have seen since I have been doing High School Top 200. After last year making the Barbarians you know that NZSS is going to be his next goal and taking his team to the Top 4 this year. I believe in Louie and his ability to make those around him better and his team better. Louie is going to have Year 12 1st 5/8 Ollie Lewis outside him and I think Ollie is good and one of our up and coming 1st 5/8’s in the country. This year though Ollie is going to have to follow the lead of Louie and let things happen naturally which to me is a great thing for him, not much players can say they have a half back they can rely on, let alone one of the best in the country. For me I would say to Ollie “Catch & Pass” let the ball go, give everyone a touch of the ball to feel and be apart of the game, but also keep waiting for that open opportunity and when you see it take it. Louie on the inside and Tahu on the outside, defenders will be watching them so take advantage of that.
St Peters College 
They are not going to be the biggest 9/10 Combo out there but Samuel Wye and Josh Loveday will return as the starters this year. St Peters will be off to a great start with a platform starting with these two guys in those positions because they are very good at controlling game, dictating tempo and getting forwards into the game. I really like the way Samuel plays because he is a very organized player that plays within his abilities so you wont see mistakes from him a lot this year and he keeps the tempo high. Samuel last year just missed out on the U18 Blues but should be in that frame this year along with Josh. Now Josh because of his size is run at a lot and gives away a lot of size to anyone who runs his way, so St Peters have a system where he drops back at to Fullback and the wingers come into 1st 5/8 to defend. The reason this works is because when the ball is kicked to him, his return ability is so good that they go from defence to offence just like that with his run back. Josh has a very surprisingly look kick down field and that also helps with him being in fullback on defence. The St Peters squad will be good this year and for me it starts with these two.
St Kentigern College
Christs College
Hasting BHS
Kings HS
St Bedes College
Wesley College
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