The likely favourite for the Men’s 1500m will be National Steeplechase Bronze medallist, Sam Petty (CANU). Challengers will be Opening day 600m winner – Dylan Forde (COBU) up against last week’s 800m winner – Daniel Roswell and adding to the tasty mix, last week’s 800m runner-up Ethan Smolej (PTOC).

Spectators are spoiled for choice in the Women’s 100m, 200m and 400m.

Anna Percy (COBU), fresh from her PB run last week comes up against an athlete in top form- Jordan Blake plus Maia Broughton, Julia Burnham and Fiona Morrison; all COBU. A repeat of the close finishes, that have been prevalent in the last fortnight, are more than likely.

The 200m looks like another must watch with most of the 100m field backing up in this event. Percy, Broughton, Burnham and Morrison along with Anna Hayward (COBU) will be joined by National 300m Hurdles W18 Recordholder Amy Robinson, from Waikato.

The 400m sees Hayward and Blake racing 800m Olympian – Angie Petty and youngster Jade Kruger

The Men’s sprints have the usual suspects. In the 100m, Elliot Nye (COBU) – who is in career best form at this early stage of the season, Luke Mercieca (CANU) and James Sandilands should contest the win.

Mercieca and Nye are favourites for the 200m but the race of greatest interests will see Nye move out to the unfamiliar 400m distance against the National champion. Louis Andrews and Sam Petty should add another layer of interest in preceedings. It will be the third sprint of the day for the two key protagonists

The sprint hurdles are growing in popularity and Anna Percy will look to use her new-found speed to challenge her personal best in the 100m Hurdles. Max Atwell will renew his battles against ‘Wonder Master’ Nick Bolton (COBU).

The field events have some notable head to head contests. Senior Men’s National Champion Andrew Allan (COBU) battles National M18 Champion Elliott Gow (SELW) in the opening jump of the season for both athletes.

The Women’s High Jump, also promises some quality with Keely O’Hagan looking to back up her mid-winter 1.73m jump with her first of this summer season’s competitions. National W18 Champion Jessica Hendren (PTOC) and W18 Heptathlon NZ Record-holder Maddie Wilson (COBU) will be looking to stay in contention for as long as possible as they pursue higher heights than previously attained.

Todd Bates features in the Men’s Hammer Throw, while the two Josh’s, Bull (PTOC) & Thiele (CANU) once again look to attack the 4.00m+ zone in the Pole Vault.