Players named for NZ Black Sox Camp
August 10, 2010
Wellington, NZ
The Black Sox - New Zealand's highly respected men's softball team - has begun its assault on the 2013 World Championships.
Following the disappointment of last year's loss to Australia in the final of the World Championships at Saskatoon the Black Sox have undergone a comprehensive review and set about planning for the World Championships on Auckland's North Shore in 2013.
With changes in management, a new captain at the helm and a changing of the guard in the playing ranks coach Eddie Kohlhase is under no illusions about the challenges the team faces.
Kohlhase - acknowledged as one of New Zealand sport's elite coaches - said "the time has come to move forward."
"Losing to the Aussies was an ordinary experience but it made us address several issues we had within the Black Sox.
"We have done that and will continue to do that including working on several aspects of our game including our pitching."
Central to Kohlhase's desire to ensure the Black Sox will continue to pursue excellence is the naming of an extended squad to take part in a training camp at the Millennium Institute of Sport and Health on the North Shore.
Kohlhase believes this squad is a "great blend of youth and experience."
"Following last years loss at the World Championships we have undertaken a thorough review of where we are heading and I want to get players competing for their places.
"We have got some outstanding young players in our game and we have to give them the opportunity to show what they're capable of.
"We've also got experienced players who need to front up as well.
"It might seem as though 2013 is a way off but when you consider the World Championships will be held early in the year it's not that far away.
"There's no question we need to be ruthless with our selections so I'm looking for hunger and passion from our players."
Kohlhase believes the naming of Casley as captain will have a positive impact.
"It was a big call to tell our leader Jarrad Martin that he would have to step down as captain but I'm delighted with the way Rhys has gone about his work.
"He is a genuine leader and one who will serve us well."
The following players have been named by Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase to take part in this camp.
After the camp this extended squad will be trimmed to 17 players for the tour to Australia in December.
The Black Sox will play the world champions Australia in a nine test series in Canberra.
The players are:
Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley) captain
Brad Rona (North Harbour) vice-captain
Regan Manley (Canterbury)
Shaun Jamieson (Wellington)
Heine Shannon (Auckland)
Frank Pointon (Wellington)
Josh Pettet (Wellington)
Te Wera Bishop (Wellington)
Campbell Makea (Wellington)
Johnny Munden (Auckland)
Wayne Laulu (Wellington)
Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley)
David Butler (Hutt Valley)
Josh Harbrow (Canterbury)
Nathan Nukunuku (Auckland)
Aaron Kuru (Hawkes Bay)
Jarrad Martin (Wellington)
Bobby King (Auckland)
Jerome Rameke (Wellington)
Josh Gettins (Hawkes Bay)
Ben Enoka (Auckland)
Matt Hicks (Auckland)
Thomas Makea (Wellington)
Dave Bishop (Wellington)
Jerome Haretuku (Auckland)
Daniel Milne (Canterbury)
Curtis Huata (Hawkes Bay)
Daniel Tarapi (Wellington)
Bernard Hale (Auckland)
Pat Shannon (Auckland)
Rob Cashman (NZAS Physiotherapist)
Unavailable for this camp are: Jeremy Manley, Donny Hale and Karl Gollan.
The new management team is:
Assistant coach: Dave Workman
Pitching coach: Robert "Chubb" Tangaroa
Technical analyst: Clayton Willocks
Manager: Doug Golightly
Please note that other specialist coaches will be brought in to assist with the team's preparation.
