Highlanders First Five Eight and 2021 SBS Bank Southland Stags player of the year Marty Banks is back for the 2022 Bunnings NPC Season.

Marty Banks made his Southland debut against Otago in 2021, going on to play nine games last season for the Stags, being named both supporters club and Southland Stags player of the year.

When the prospect of joining the Stags was made by head coach Dale MacLeod last season, Banks was the first to admit it was a decision many thought he shouldn’t make, especially given the potential to bring up 50 games for Tasman, his former side.

“The more people had a laugh or thought I shouldn’t join Southland the more I felt it was right for my next chapter” said Banks at the 2021 awards evening.

Banks said he had no regrets about the move South and has praised the culture and the passionate stags following, it all made especially pleasing given his Highlanders call up.

For this coming season, the 32-year-old first five eight is excited to see what the team can achieve, and is most excited about having the fans back, noting the ‘mental’ crowd at Forsyth Barr Stadium against Otago last season.

“Having our fans back at Rugby Park and giving them a reason to turn up and watch us get the results is what excites our team”

“I get to be a part of a special rugby community down here that loves Stags footy. I’m excited for what our team can achieve this season”.

For SBS Bank Southland Stags Coaching staff, having Marty back for a second season shows the progress the side is making.  

“We’re delighted by Marty’s recommitment to the Stags for the upcoming season”, Says James Wilson.

“He’s a hugely important signing for the Stags and our intentions of having a successful NPC campaign.

 Marty’s a leader that players trust and willingly follow, his work ethic rubs off on others and for us as coaches that influence is crucial to helping drive success within the squad.”

Banks will join the squad for pre season in July following the Super Rugby Season.

Article added: Friday 25 March 2022