The Western Force is back in action this Friday in front of the Sea of Blue when they take on New Zealand provincial side the Bay of Plenty.
With Force legend Kieran Longbottom and club stalwart Chris Heiberg making their final appearances for the club, it’s set to be a special occasion with kick-off at 7:30pm.
Head coach Tim Sampson has named an exciting squad with a mix of experience and youth throughout the 25.
Longbottom starts in his final game after announcing his retirement earlier this month, with the prop joined by Andrew Ready and Angus Wagner in the front row.
Ian Prior captains the side starting at scrumhalf with playmaker Jake McIntyre alongside him at flyhalf.
Homegrown trio Brad Lacey, Kyle Godwin and Grason Makara start at 11,12 and 13 respectively. They are three of 13 local players set to take on the Bay of Plenty.
Nedlands hooker Nick Hyde, Wests Scarborough back-rower Isaac Meo and UWA winger Byron Sharwood have been named in the matchday squad alongside Future Force Foundation products Kane Koteka, Ollie Callan, Michael McDonald and Jackson Pugh, as well as Force Fortescue Academy players Zantana Pomare and Finn O’Callaghan.
Head coach Tim Sampson said there is much excitement around the team for Friday night’s clash.
“We are very excited to be playing back at HBF Park, given our last three games were on the road in New Zealand it feels like such a long time since we were at home in front of the Sea of Blue. We have a stiff opposition this week, they are a quality side so we are really looking forward to it,” Sampson said.
“It is pretty special to see nearly 50% of the matchday players as local products, it’s what we are striving to achieve here – an organisation that is going to tap into the local players and Friday night is a great sign of what we are trying to do.
“Zantana is very quiet and humble, but he is really looking forward to Friday night. We just want him to go out and enjoy playing in front of the Sea of Blue, it will be a big occasion for him, but he hopefully uses his size and strength and does some damage out there.
“Kieran and Chris have been huge contributors to the club, going back many years. Kieran is a WA product, and he has been outstanding over many years. It’s sad to see a career coming to an end for someone who has been so loyal to the Force so hopefully we can put on a good performance for him on Friday night.
“Heizy (Chris Heiberg) is such a gentleman, he gives the club everything from training on the field to when they are in the gym. He is a great man.”
