MOANA PASIFIKA TEAM NAMING: Cooper Grant to debut and 50 Crusader games for Fletcher Newell

18 Mar 2026

The Crusaders are heading north for a special Round 6 clash against Moana Pasifika this Saturday at North Harbour Stadium, with kick‑off at 7.05pm.

It’s an important night for the group – a chance to build momentum and an opportunity for our first back-to-back win of the season, welcome new faces, and celebrate a milestone that means a lot within these four walls.

The biggest talking point is the selection of Cooper Grant, who will make his Crusaders debut in the No. 10 jersey. With Rivez Reihana ruled out under concussion protocols and Taha Kemara still progressing through the Graduated Return to Play process, Grant steps into a key game‑driving role.

Head Coach Rob Penney says the young playmaker has earned the opportunity.

“The doctor has indicated Rivez has delayed concussion, so we’ve done the right thing and removed him from the game, and now Cooper’s got an opportunity. He’s played great for the Development XV and it’s wonderful for him to step up,” he says.

Penney speaks highly of Grant’s natural presence.

“He’s got a very confident demeanour. He uses his voice really well and he’s got an outstanding skill set. He’s new to this level, but he’s surrounded by experience and we’re confident he’ll have the right answers when the blowtorch comes on.”

There’s also potential for another debut, with Kurtis Macdonald named in jersey 23 and ready for his first Crusaders appearance off the bench.

Another boost comes with the early return of Jamie Hannah, who slots straight back into the starting line-up. His recovery came quicker than initially expected, something Penney puts down to the young lock’s dedication.

“He’s made a really good recovery and it’s great to have him back in the fold,” he says.

After a standout performance last week, Johnny Lee keeps the No. 7 jersey, bringing energy and physicality that have quickly become hallmarks of his game.

With captain David Havili sidelined by a heel injury, Will Jordan will lead the team this week. However, Penney says the news on Havili is encouraging.

“It’ll be a week‑by‑week proposition. The great news is there’s no fracture, just soft tissue, so we’ll be guided by how he feels,” he says.

Dallas McLeod shifts into 12, covering Havili’s gap with his strong running and defensive presence.

Another highlight belongs to tighthead prop Fletcher Newell, who will run out for his 50th Crusaders match.

“He doesn’t say a lot, but he works really hard at his craft and tries to get better every week,” Penney says.

“To be around when he’s getting his 50th is a great honour because he’s one of the greats. He’s a terrific young man and a treasure for this organisation.”

Penney has also touched on what he wants to see from the group this weekend.

“We’re going week by week. The aim is to back up a win with a win, build our consistency, prepare well, and hit the ground running. We haven’t had the quickest starts, so doing those things will make it very satisfying,” he says.

Crusaders team to face Moana Pasifika:

1. Finlay Brewis

2. George Bell

3. Fletcher Newell

4. Tahlor Cahill

5. Jamie Hannah

6. Ethan Blackadder (VC)

7. Johnny Lee

8. Christian Lio‑Willie

9. Noah Hotham

10. Cooper Grant*

11. Sevu Reece

12. Dallas McLeod

13. Braydon Ennor

14. Chay Fihaki

15. Will Jordan (C)

Reserves: 16. Manumaua Letiu 17. George Bower 18. Seb Calder 19. Antonio Shalfoon 20. Xavier Saifoloi 21. Kyle Preston 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku 23. Kurtis Macdonald*

*Uncapped

Players unavailable for selection due to injury:

Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN: Hip, 2 weeks

Maloni KUNAWAVE: Hamstring, 2-3 weeks

Cooper ROBERTS: Stress fracture (fibula), 2-3 weeks

Dom GARDINER: Ankle/ knee, 2-3 weeks

Macca SPRINGER: Quad, 3-4 weeks

Johnny MCNICOLL: Hamstring, 3-4 weeks

David HAVILI: Heel, 3-4 weeks

Liam JACK: Hamstring, 3-5 weeks

Taha KEMARA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)

Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)