Canterbury winger Manasa Mataele is thankful of the support of his international rugby-playing wife Martha, as he makes a comeback in the NPC against Southland in Invercargill tonight

Mataele suffered a stress fracture in his back earlier in the year - keeping him sidelined during the Crusaders' season.

He was also given personal leave to return to Fiji following the death of his mother.

Meanwhile Mataele's wife - Martha - missed out on Black Ferns selection after debuting in 2023.

He says they've been each other's rock.



Kickoff from Invercargill's Rugby park at 5 past 7 - live commentary on Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.

NPC COVERAGE WITH GALLAGHER INSURANCE. PROUD PARTNERS OF PROVINCIAL RUGBY