Originally from Palmerston North Boys High School Hemopo opted to return to his roots in 2016 after a couple of seasons in Otago. The Highlanders lock had a break-out Super Rugby campaign in 2017 including a man-of-the-match performance against the British and Irish Lions. He was named the Turbos' player of the year in 2017.

A hard-nosed prop with the ability to cover both sides of the scrum. Paranihi returned to Manawatu in 2017 after spending time in the Canterbury system and a year out on loan to Counties Manukau.

The Palmerston North Boys High School bulldozer returned to rugby in 2016 following a stint with the Warriors in the NRL. An immensely strong Ball Carrier, Ngani played alongside Jason Emery at High School in what was one of the more formidable school boy pairings seen in recent times. He cracked the All Blacks in 2017.

Michael Alaalatoa joined the Manawatu Turbos in 2015 from the Waratahs. The beastly 136kg prop is solid at the set piece, and added some real grunt to the Turbos' front row. For an indication of the man's size, you only have to ask the Italians who dubbed him Jonah Lomu II Colosso.