ROUND 13 TEAM NAMING: George Bower set for 100th as Crusaders name side for Blues clash
When the Crusaders run out against the Blues on Friday 8 May, there’s plenty for fans to get excited for.
It’s Members Match - a chance to celebrate our Crusaders members, the stadium will be packed with red and black fans, and George Bower will pull on the red and black jersey for the 100th time – a moment he describes as a great privilege.
“For me, I just want to put my best foot forward for the boys and put my body on the line. It’s an absolute honour to put that jersey on for the 100th time,” says Bower.
There was never much doubt who he wanted that milestone to come against.
“What better way to play your 100th than against the Blues? That rivalry runs deep. It’s in the blood of Cantabrians and Aucklanders, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Head Coach Rob Penney says Bower’s milestone reflects the character he brings to the group, especially through challenging periods.
“Gio is such a genuine person – loving, caring and full of the values you want around your team. When things get tough, he’s one of those guys who lifts the group and blows the dark clouds away. He’s special for us, and it’s great to celebrate his hundred,” says Penney.
There are a couple of changes to the matchday 23 this week. Taha Kemara will be rested after a slight knee niggle, while Braydon Ennor has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Dallas McLeod comes into the starting lineup in the midfield, while Rivez Reihana will start at 10, with Cooper Grant providing cover on the bench.
There’s just one change in the forward pack – with Jamie Hannah coming in to start at lock while Tahlor Cahill provides depth on the bench.
And in the backs, Sevu Reece will return to the right wing to bring some explosive flair to the backline.
Bower says the group is clear on what the Blues will bring, and confident in the growth they’ve shown since the teams last met.
“They were the better team on the day earlier in the season,” says Bower.
“But we’ve grown a lot since then. We’ve got a good plan around what they’ll bring and how we want to win the game.”
Friday night looms as a big one on and off the field, with a near‑capacity crowd expected and a strong sense of occasion building inside the stadium.
“We need the crowd. If the red and black supporters can come along and be loud, it makes this a really difficult place to play. That’s something our boys feed off,” says Penney.
For Bower, talking about his milestone game surfaces all the emotions he holds for this place.
“I remember walking through the doors for the first time and seeing the values on the wall and the centurions. You admire those names, and then suddenly you realise it’s possible. When that whistle blows on Friday, that’s when it’ll really sink in.”
Crusaders team to face the Blues:
1. George Bower – 100th Game
2. Codie Taylor (VC)
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Antonio Shalfoon
5. Jamie Hannah
6. Ethan Blackadder
7. Leicester Fainga’anuku
8. Christian Lio‑Willie
9. Noah Hotham
10. Rivez Reihana
11. Macca Springer
12. David Havili (C)
13. Dallas McLeod
14. Sevu Reece
15. Johnny McNicholl
Reserves: 16. George Bell 17. Jack Sexton 18. Seb Calder 19. Tahlor Cahill 20. Dom Gardiner 21. Kyle Preston 22. Cooper Grant 23. Kurtis Macdonald
Players unavailable for selection due to injury:
Taha KEMARA: Knee, 1 week
Will JORDAN: Calf, 1 week
Will TUCKER: Concussion/ neck, 1 week
Cullen GRACE: Knee, 2 weeks
Chay FIHAKI, Hamstring, 2 weeks
Finlay BREWIS: Calf, 2-4 weeks
Braydon ENNOR, Hamstring, 4 weeks
Aki TUIVAILALA: Concussion, GRTP (Graduated Return to Play)
Kershawl SYKES-MARTIN, Neck, TBC
James WHITE: Shoulder, out for the season
Tamaiti WILLIAMS, Discitis, out for the season