Waikato NPC are set for their first home game at FMG Stadmium Waikato after completing three road games to kick-off the Bunnings NPC season, when they defend the Ryan Wheeler memorial trophy in round 3 of the Bunnings NPC.

Head coach, Ross Filipo, has made significant changes to his matchday 23. Hooker, Pita Anae-Ah Sue and tighthead prop George Dyer return to the starting XV and will join Ollie Norris to make the front row. Anae-Ah Sue replaces Rhys Marshall and Dyer trades places with Solomone Tukuafu, who moves to the reserves for this match.

There is a new second row combination, Laghlan McWhannell makes his return and is set to play his first match of 2023 after being named at left lock replacing Tai Cribb, while James Tucker also makes his return to start at right lock taking over from Hamilton Burr who moves to the bench for this match.

In the loose forwards, Xavier Saifoloi and Patirck McCurran retain their positions at blindside and openside flanker respectively. Simon Parker comes back into the starting line-up and will captain the side from number 8.

Taha Kemara is joined by Cortez Ratima in the halves, as he returns to the matchday 23 after being rested against Hawke’s Bay. Ratima’s return means Xavier Roe returns to the reserves to provide impact from the bench.

There is no change to the midfield, with both Austin Anderson and Bailyn Sullivan keeping their spots at inside and outside centre respectively.

Liam Coombes-Fabling retains his spot at fullback, with the final changes to the starting XV being on the wings. Daniel Sinkinson returns to take his spot on the left wing replacing Tana Tuhakaraina, while Gideon Wrampling comes off the bench to start on the right wing replacing Cody Nordstrom.

In the reserves, Ayden Johnstone, Malachi Wrampling and Quinn Tupaea all return to the match day 23 as the only changes to the reserves.

Waikato NPC take on Taranaki Bulls at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 4.35pm:

1.    Ollie Norris (Hautapu)

2.    Pita Anae-Ah Sue (Hautapu)

3.    George Dyer (Fraser Tech)

4.    Laghlan McWhannell (Hautapu)

5.    James Tucker (Hamilton Marist)

6.    Xavier Saifoloi (University)

7.    Patrick McCurran (Fraser Tech)

8.    Simon Parker (Hautapu) - Captain

9.    Cortez Ratima (Otorohanga)

10.  Taha Kemara (Te Awamutu Sports)

11.  Daniel Sinkinson (Melville)

12.  Austin Anderson (Te Awamutu Sports)

13.  Bailyn Sullivan (Hamilton Marist)

14.  Gideon Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

15.  Liam Coombes-Fabling (Fraser Tech)

16.  Sean Ralph (Te Awamutu Sports)

17.  Ayden Johnstone (Hautapu)

18.  Solomone Tukuafu (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Hamilton Burr (Hautapu)

20.  Malachi Wrampling (Hamilton Old Boys)

21.  Xavier Roe (Hamilton Old Boys)

22.  Quinn Tupaea (Hamilton Old Boys)

23. Tepaea Cook-Savage (Fraser Tech