Why rugby league?

I just love the simplicity of the game, it really is a simple game sometimes made difficult by people. Having said that, there are small intricacies in the game which “non” league people perhaps don’t see.

What made you decide to coach?

When I was at high school I thought being a PE teacher would be mint. A couple of us would skip class to go help the PE teacher in the gym with junior classes and it was pretty cool and I enjoyed it. I always enjoyed helping out in the various sports I was involved in, and found I wasn’t too bad at it. It wasn’t until 2004-2005 when I was with the Otago Uni league team that I found coaching was something I could do. I found I enjoyed coaching/teaching more than I did playing, and I was lucky enough that head coach Ray Fitiao allowed me to help him out with the team. My role was mainly around tidying up the attack and getting them going.

Did you play the game yourself?

Yes, I first played U15s for Bluff, after that there was no grade for us so I played rugby for the school. I played rugby for few more years after school, then played league for Leopards Bs for couple years, and then league dried up for a while. I went and played for the Invercargill Stormers, who played in the Dunedin comp. We lost the final in double overtime against University, that was one of the best games I have been involved in. The following year, the team changed to He Tauaa, and we beat South Pac in that final. The next year I moved to Dunedin for University and was meant to go play rugby for GI prems, one of my dad’s good mates from Bluff was the coach, but fate had me running into the University rugby league stall during clubs day, so I jumped ship and played league for University.

What was the highlight of your playing career?

Grand finals are always a highlight, I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in some and won some. But the biggest highlight is the lifelong friendships I have made, you can’t really beat that.

What is it about coaching rugby league that you are passionate about?

Watching players achieve something they have put work into, and just being part of that journey brings a smile to the face. Helping players navigate the subtle points of rugby league and to develop a deeper appreciation for the game, and to show it is more than just crash and bash so to speak. Helping other coaches and sharing of knowledge is something I love. I have always had an open-door policy where if you want to come observe a training of mine, you are more than welcome. Information shared makes for better competition, I always have a giggle when coaches are “scared” you might “steal” their ideas, but most of coaching involves using of ideas that aren’t necessarily your own and adapting them to your own situation. Share and share alike I say.

What has been the highlight of your coaching career so far?

Grand finals again are a big highlight. But the biggest is seeing athletes that you have worked with and played some small part in excelling and making national teams or carrying on playing once they leave Dunedin, again it warms the soul to think that you have had a hand in it, even though it’s a very small part.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

The biggest challenge, especially being this far South, is convincing players to play the game and just give it a go. I usually ask players that I have known since they were young to just come and have one game, if they like it then stay, if not then go back to rugby. I think I’m batting a thousand with the ones who have come for one game. I tell them I don’t even care what club you go to, just have a game.

What is the most memorable game you have been a part of?

There are a couple that spring to mind for various reasons.

The '99 Grand Final Invercargill Stormers vs University, that was a double overtime thriller - just the shear emotion involved in that game was immense.

2004 Grand Final University vs South Pac. We had a pretty special team for University that year, one of the best I have been involved with, we won that 14-6. South Pac were hot favourites. That was a special team indeed.

2014 Grand Final South Pac vs University. It was a great season for my South Pac team, we won the grand final and went undefeated for the season. Another special team we had, and it was played at night time in Forsyth Barr Stadium.

2017 Otago Whalers. We managed to create a bit of history and caused an upset by beating the Wellington Orcas in Dunedin, it was a special moment the players and I will never forget.

What’s the funniest thing you have seen on the field?

Asheer Singh (Highlanders team doctor) running it straight at me, I played for University Blue team against my South Pac team, haha pretty funny. Let's just say it was a partial backflip.

Also does Ashley Jenkins count? Jokes Ash (dogroll) ………maybe

What words of advice would you give to young players getting into rugby league?

Just give it a go. If you don’t like it then no harm, but if you do, I guarantee you will end up loving it. To the older ones “Just one game”.