Champions Patumahoe will travel to Karaka Sports Complex to face runners-up Karaka in a replay of last year’s grand final as the McNamara Cup kicks off the 2025 season on Saturday.
The two sides have endured ding-dong battles over the past few seasons as both perennial contenders eye an early statement.
“Tough one first up and I am sure both teams probably won’t be at full noise,” said Karaka coach Craig Hill.
“You are never quite sure where you are coming out of the pre-season.
“I’ve been pretty happy with the boys and what has been put together in the games we have had.
“It has been stated it’s a replay of the final but that is done – we can’t change that result. We’ll look forward – changes in personnel with player movements and unavailability etc – it is a new season, new challenges and we all start on zero.”
Arch-rivals Pukekohe and Manurewa meet at Mountfort Park in what shapes as an intriguing early season battle. Both sides have recruited strongly and should be among the title contenders.
Bombay, fresh off a late season surge that took them to the semi-finals in 2024, will host a new-look Papakura outfit coached by former All Black Frank Bunce.
A retooled Ardmore Marist has an opening round bye.
The Bob Chandler Cup sees the same teams face each other as in the McNamara Cup – all at the same venues.
Drury and Te Kauwhata square off in an exciting first round match-up in the Sid Marshall Shield competition at Drury Sports Complex.
Defending champions Onewhero begin their campaign with a game against Puni at Onewhero Domain.
Weymouth hosts Tuakau at Laurie Gibbons Reserve while Manurewa travels to Maramarua in the opening weekend.
Runners up Waiuku will face Te Kohanga in a home match at Rugby Park.
In Massey Cup U21 action, the much vaunted Karaka side hosts Patumahoe at Karaka Sports Complex.
Weymouth, who return to the grade for the first time in a number of years, will head south to Colin Lawrie Fields to play Pukekohe while Ardmore Marist hosts Onewhero.
Manurewa and Waiuku meet in what should be a thrilling match at Mountfort Park.
The Bright Cup U19 grade begins under lights on Friday night with Rua-North – the combined Maramarua/Hauraki North side – facing Patumahoe at Navigation Homes Stadium.
Pukekohe hosts Auckland’s College Rifles in the other match of the round.
Beachlands Maraetai heads to Karaka in the opening round of the U85kg grade.
Elsewhere, Bombay hosts Waikato side Fraser Tech, Pukekohe travels to Drury, Waiuku hosts the Cattle Dogs of King Country while Morrinsville Sports and Hamilton Marist face off in an all-Waikato contest.
