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Howden embracing leadership role as Manawatū eye NPC improvement
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 1st, 2026 10:51 am
TK Howden of Manawatu takes a line out ball from Sam Darry of Canterbury | Photo: Photosport
Manawatū captain TK Howden says a growing sense of maturity and experience is helping to gel the side as he chats NPC with Sport Nation's Scotty and Izzy.
After several difficult seasons, Manawatū has shown signs of improvement, securing wins over North Harbour and Southland while pushing Otago in a narrow defeat.
Howden believes the continuity within the squad has played a major role in the province’s resurgence.
“We’ve been playing together for a number of years now. I think it’s been four years we’ve had the same group,” Howden said.
“We were quite a young team, so everyone’s just gotten a bit older, got a bit more mature and a lot of them are playing Super Rugby now.”
The return of several key players has also strengthened the side, with Kyle Brown, Joseph Gavigan and Brayden Iose all back in the squad as the side chase second half improvement.
Howden has also welcomed the influence of halfback Reece MacDonald, who has emerged as a key figure in the side.
“Bro, he’s a gun,” Howden said.
“When he has the ball, he is dangerous. He’s a brave character as well. He takes on the line.”
Howden said MacDonald’s impact extends off the field, with the playmaker having a big leadership role in the side.
“He does a lot for our attack and also just as a voice off the field. He leads well, he puts us in the right parts of the field.”
Manawatū’s attack was on full display in their high-scoring clash with North Harbour, with the two sides combining for 83 points.
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Despite the frantic nature of the match, Howden said his side remained composed, however needing a kick in the backside to get the result over the line.
“After they scored two tries on us in like the 70th minute, I had to have a bit of a blow-up at the boys just to lock them back in,” he said.
While Manawatū have impressed with the ball in hand, Howden identified their frailties in defence ahead Bay of Plenty.
“We’re spending too much time on the ground in a tackle,” he said.
“It’s just getting off the ground and just getting back into the line. So that’s our main focus going into this weekend.”
For Howden, captaining his home province carries particular significance. Having been born and raised in the region, he described the responsibility as a privilege.
“It’s where I was born and raised, so captaining the side is a privilege,” Howden said.
The captain believes his leadership has also developed since taking on the role, learning that actions can speak louder than words.
“Just as long as you do more than you talk,” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
