Howick enjoyed a strong season last year, footing it with the competition’s top three for most of the year before falling short in the final minutes of the major semi-final against Pt Chevalier. Coach Shaun Clark returns to lead the team in 2018, and the east Auckland club have made a positive start to 2018 by winning the pre-season Sportsafe ARL Nines plate.

2017 finish: 3rd (beaten in the major semi-final).

Ins: Aziha Ikitule (Papakura) Kruz Tupou (Manurewa), Lui Tusa (Redcliffe Dolphins, Australia), Junior Esera (Otahuhu), Uila Aiolupo (Papakura), Liam Prendergast (Papakura), Alex Van Den Dop (Burleigh Bears, Australia), Caleb Tapsell (Redcliffe Dolphins, Australia), Roman Tuhimata (Papakura), Faaee Afoa (Otahuhu), Troy Pulupaki (Mt Wellington), Naminia Vunu (Otahuhu)

Outs: Trent Bishop, Roydon Gillett, Reece Joyce (all Mt Albert), Noa Vanisi (Australia)

The draw: The fixtures list looks fairly balanced for the Howick Hornets this year. Tough back-to-back meetings with Mt Albert and Glenora await in weeks four and five.