1. What is your involvement in the game of rugby league, and how long have you been involved now?

I got involved with the great game roughly four years ago and I’m now pretty heavily involved.

I am the Captain and Vice President of Otago University Rugby League Club, I write about rugby league for the Otago Daily Times, I have played for the Otago Whalers for the last three seasons, I’m a board member of Otago Rugby League, and I am the Social Media aand Communications Executive here at Southern Zone Rugby League. Just enough to keep busy alongside a full-time job teaching.

2. Why do you choose to be involved in this sport?

I choose to be involved because of the people involved in the sport. Having played cricket, rugby, soccer, and hockey in the past, I have had a fair share of experience in different codes. I can safely say that rugby league has been the most enjoyable and I largely put it down to the characters in the sport, the relationships I’ve made, and the fact that it is a hugely physical competitive sport.

3. What do you do outside of rugby league?

In the summer I play cricket, shout out to Kaikorai Cricket Club, but I’m also a full-time English teacher at Bayfield High School in Dunedin.

4. What has been a highlight, or some of the highlights, during your involvement in the game?

Two highlights for me. Firstly, the 2017 Otago Whalers campaign, during which we won the South Island Premier Competition and fell two points shy of beating Bay of Plenty to go through to the promotion/relegation game for the National Premiership Competition. Second, making the 2017 South Island Scorpions side, starting at prop against South Island Samoa Malie.

5. What would you say to someone thinking about getting involved in rugby league, whether it be playing or volunteering or any other involvement with the sport?

Don’t hesitate, just get stuck in. You won’t regret it. The relationships and opportunites that come with this sport are unreal. Whether it’s playing, officiating, or volunteering – do it.

6. How do you think rugby league has a positive impact on your community?

Rugby league has had a positive impact in the Dunedin community thanks to the efforts of our local clubs, the Kia Toa Tigers and South Pacific Raiders, who have raised awareness and helped fundraise for causes such as mental health awareness and suicide prevention, as well as prevention of abuse. Our other clubs do their bit too, but I think those two are champion causes and it’s great to see their efforts.

7. Do you have a favourite team? NRL, local, or otherwise?

I back the Warriors and the NSW Blues, so it’s fair to say that 2017 was a tough year but you’ve got to keep the faith. The tides will turn in due time.

8. Funniest incident you have seen or been a part of during your involvement with the game?

Hands down, the funniest thing I have seen during a game was when my fellow front-rower, Tyson “the wrecking” Ball, tackled an opponent and in the process of driving him into the ground caused him to fart – with great volume. Immediately everyone started ribbing Tyson, saying that it was him that “dropped his guts” while he flat out denied the false accusations, but we gave him heaps for the rest of the game. One of those things that’s funnier if you were there I guess.