17th June, 2016

The success of a team can often be attributed to the leaders within it.                                                                               Recent good form of East Tamaki has several contributing factors but two players, two stalwarts, celebrate milestones this weekend and can be proud of their contribution to their team and club.                                              Ioane Ioane will pack down in the East Tamaki scrum for the 150th time, while Luke Faaui notches up a century of premier matches.                                                                                                                                                         Both players admit there has been some tough times during their years at the club, but the past two seasons in particular have made it worthwhile.                                                                                                                           Faaui followed his 1st XV coach to East Tamaki in 2008 and while he was expecting to play in an age grade team he was called into the premiers in his first season out of school.                                                                                 “When I first came here I was made welcome and was well looked after. The bond I have got with the boys is like family, it is a very family-oriented club,” said Faaui.                                                                                                       The winger was close to walking away from the club a few years ago, but new coach Dave Usu was able to change his mind.  “Dave talked about wanting local guys to stay around and that motivated me. I am glad I stayed; I didn’t really want to play anywhere else.”                                                                                                                           Faaui believes that in his eight seasons of premier rugby this is the most talented and skillful group of players he has taken the field with.                                                                                                                                                  He has had the honour of donning the green, red and white hoops alongside his two older brothers, and said the biggest highlight is being able to represent the community every week.  “East Tamaki is on the rise. Last year was a stepping stone; I am really excited and happy to be a part of this group.”                                                                Ioane echoes the sentiments of Faaui and feels a great sense of honour to share his 150th milestone alongside Faaui’s century.  “I have seen Luke progress since he first came to the club, I have great pride in sharing this celebration with him,” said Ioane.                                                                                                                                                           The front rower said he is thankful for the new management that came to the club in 2015.                                “They looked to me and some of the old heads as a leadership group and always ask for our ideas, they want to know what we can add.”   “I’m a lot happier turning up to training now, and on Saturday’s we are quite confident we can go out and win.”  One of those wins was over University, the first against the students in many years.              “We all felt we could pull off something special, self belief goes a long way and we wouldn’t have had that if it wasn’t for the new management.”

Both Ioane and Faaui said the team had hoped to make the Top 8 but after reevaluating, their sights are set firmly on the Portola Trophy.  The milestone match will be played at home against Te Papapa Onehunga this Saturday.