By Stu Piddington

Ten new players to the province have been named in the first South Canterbury Heartland training squad of the season.

Coaches Barry Matthews and Grant McFarlane have cast the net wide with 33 players named for two fitness squad trainings.

Matthews said he was especially excited to see how the new players fronted up.

Runaway competition leaders Celtic have eight players named including big prop Viliame Logavatu, with Waimate next best with six.

The big Fijian has proved hard to stop in open play and could find himself at lock or blindside.

All eight senior clubs have at least players in the squad.

Geraldine's two new Fijians, No.8 John Dyer and flying winger Waisale Leiroti have also got the call-up.

Dyer has made a big impression in a short time with some strong running and great skills while Leiroti has plenty of pace.

Temuka's Argentinian import Jose Mendez has shown enough potential to be included in the mid field.

Pleasant Point gets a trio of debutants.

No surprises that former West Coast mid fielder Kevin Moore, who has looked a class act, is in along with Englishmen Max Morris (wing) and Jake Mills (lock).

Waimate's Irish imports, first five Colin Ryan and prop Connor McCormack, are also named. 

Ryan may have made the squad last year but returned home before the Heartland Championship kicked off, while McCormack has proved hard to handle in the front row.

Mackenzie has wing Raitube Matanabua and lock Ata Ata Langi Langi in the squad while Old Boys No.8 Taione Ratu also gets chance.

Matanabua has scored some outstanding tries while former Wellingtonian Langi Langi has the size as well as the skill set to go to the next level.

Ratu has been improving as the season goes on, having previously represented Buller.

Others to get an opportunity include young Celtic hooker Graison Dale while Mackenzie's Johnny Matthews gets his chance after working hard on his lineout throwing along side Temuka's Junior Faavae.

In the backs Harlequins midfielder Ken Hellier get a deserved chance to show his wares along with Pleasant Point full back Shay Moseby and Old Boys wing Isefo Petero.

Not considered because of injury were last year's Heartland co-captain Kieran Coll, who has transferred to Pleasant Point, and Roncalli College's hard running No.8 Lionel Monua, who had impressed Matthews prior to breaking his arm.

Matthews said he was excited by the talent but was keen to test both the players fitness and commitment.

"We are keen to see who can go the length as well as test their attitudes."

Matthews said the two fitness trainings were the first step in assessing the players but the door was still open to other players.

The coach was also pleased that many of last season's squad looked fitter than at the same time last year.

"There are plenty of positives."

One concern Matthews had however was over the depth at half back and first five in the club competition.

"There are options, including loan players, but I want to have a good look first at what we have."

The first preseason game was scheduled the weekend after the Hamersley Cup final on August 6, against Southland, followed by an Otago selection and Mid Canterbury.

Practice for teh squad is at Alpine Energy Stadium on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

Heartland fitness squad: Jared Matthews, Miles Medlicott, Don Lolo, Mosese Aho, Colin Ryan, Connor  McCormack (Waimate), Raitube Matanabua, Ata Ata Langi Langi, Johnny Andrews (Mackenzie) , Taione Ratu , Isefo Petero (Old Boys), Timaru Tafa, Maile I'Ongi, Ken Hellier, Josateki Veikune (Harlequins), Graison Dale, Willie Wright, Nick Strachan, Viliame Logavatu, Matt Fetu, Matt Stewart, Hamish Strachan, Will Joines (Celtic), Rupeni Cokanasiga, Junior Faavae, Tenaru Saumani, Jose Menfez (Temuka), John Dyer, Waisale Leiroti (Geradine), Shay Moseby, Kevin Moore, Max Morris, Jake Mills (Pleasant Point)