Stags hope Banks will shake injuries for NPC campaign
The SBS Southland Stags have confirmed Marty Banks will be back for a third season in the maroon jersey.
The SBS Bank Southland Stags have confirmed Marty Banks will be back for a third season in the maroon jersey.
Although the 33-year-old does have some injuries to shake before the start of the NPC in August.
The Highlanders’ first five-eighth will again bring experience to the Stags squad in the 2023 NPC.
Banks was excited to be back with the Stags playing at Rugby Park this year.
“It’s been awesome to see more boys getting experience inside of Super Rugby teams, I’m looking forward to seeing this translate over to our 2023 season. I’m excited for the season ahead and seeing Rugby Park filled with the Stags faithful."
While still part of the Highlanders setup, Banks hasn’t featured in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season as he battles injuries.
Southland’s Director of Rugby Matt Saunders was pleased about the signing of Banks.
He acknowledged that Banks has had a tough run with injuries but was hopeful the experienced first five-eighth will be injury-free and ready to lead the team to victory this season, which starts in August.
“Hoping he is injury free and firing by round one, ready to lead us around the park and kick us to a few victories.”
Obviously, first five-eighth is a pivotal position.
Another potential option for the Stags is Greg Dyer who is currently playing in Spain with Pirates-Old Boys hopeful he will be back playing club rugby before the start of the NPC season.
Pirates-Old Boys also have promising first five-eighth Kaea Nikora-Balloch in the mix.