The Tasman Makos have at least three players unavailable because of injury for the start of their ITM Cup campaign against Canterbury at Trafalgar Park in Nelson on August 24.

Flanker Gary Redmond is out for at least two more weeks, after breaking a bone in his hand during a warmup match against a Canterbury XV.

Crusaders utility back Tom Marshall will miss at least the Canterbury match due to a shoulder injury sustained during the Tasman Trophy club competition and flanker Liam Squire, injured in the same competition, is likely to miss the bulk of the season as he recovers from a serious leg injury.

The Makos take on Heartland side West Coast in their final warmup match at Murchison on Saturday, kicking off at 1pm.

The Tasman under-20 team play their first match of the season against Mid-Canterbury at Takahanga Domain in Kaikoura on Saturday, starting at 1pm. That team will be named today.

It is likely to include several Marlborough-based players.

Meanwhile, prop Fetu Ieremia is the only first choice player in doubt because of injury for the Marlborough Red Devils as they look to defend the Seddon Shield against Nelson Bays at Lansdowne Park on Saturday.

Ieremia missed last week's successful defence against Buller because of an injured arm, but is a chance to play.

Several of the team were suffering from illness or the after-effects of flu against Buller and are expected to be in better shape by this weekend.

The Marlborough team is expected to be named after training tonight.

Marlborough Boys' College play off against Roncalli College at Timaru on Saturday for fifth and sixth places in the Crusaders Region Press Cup secondary schools competition.

Kickoff is at noon.

- © Fairfax NZ News