2012

After their exceptional form in 2011 the Turbos headed into 2012 with a number of key personnel missing. On the back of retirements and the All Blacks selection of both Aaron Smith and Aaron Cruden the team was completely different to that of the year before.

First up losses to both Wellington and Auckland the team showed plenty of character beating Northland in round three for their first win of the season and grabbed their second in a nail biter against North Harbour 23-20 in round five. The following week the Turbos lost by 3 points to eventual champions Counties Manukau a result that could have guaranteed a semi-final berth.

The Turbos playoff hopes came down to a must win game in Southland. In what was a dogged game of the forwards the Turbos with the lead in hand leaked a try in the dying minutes leaving them to finish 5th just outside a playoff spot. It was clear that the Turbos were rebuilding but there were plenty of positive points to take from a solid season.