Sam Beard, Phil Burleigh, Tom Christie, Whetu Douglas, Sef Fa'agase, Chris King, Greg Pleasants-Tate and Ngane Punivai are all in the squad of 23 name today by Canterbury's new coach Joe Maddock.
Douglas has been named co-captain alongside halfback Mitchell Drummond.
Canterbury will start their defense of their premiership title Friday night against Tasman in Blenheim.
Maddock told Metronews earlier this week Canterbury would try to build on their previous successes this season.