It has to be said this is the first time in a long time that Harbour has had such a great premier colts side, and following on from their success in the premier colts competition so far this year unbelievably 8 Hawks boys have been selected in the Otago under 19’s for this years Jock Hobbs national tournament.
The following boys were selected and a spiel about each player follows below.
Saula Mau
– Damaging in the scrum at a 140kg and 6ft 5 he is a massive asset to any team. Saula has been starting for the prems each week and has been outstanding in every asset of his game. Saula was in the New Zealand schools side in 2018 and has just signed a three year deal with Otago Mitre 10.
Jeff Ikani
– Jeff is another prospect that will be a massive booster for the Otago 19’s. His size, power and skill is what any team would love having at the back their scrum. Jeff has also had a great year going between the premiers and colts side respectfully. Jeff was named player of the round by the Otago daily times for his performance against Southern for the prems in round 7. He will definitely be one to watch for the future.
Tatsuya Fujii
– Known as Tats to most around the club, Tats originates from Japan. He is currently studying English as he is full Japanese. In fact Tatsuya’s Dad is the manager of Japan national side! Tats is electric when he plays he has been mixing also between the premiers and the colts this year. He is only small at 65kg but is lighting fast and accurate scrum half. He will be a big asset for the Otago 19’s no doubt.
Michael Graham
– Mikey as known by the boys is a genuine speedster that hates to lose. He is in University college this year but decided to go against the common migration of going to Dunedin or University and ended up at Harbour. Boy did it pay off. Michael has been in fine form this year for the colts and premiers. Michael is a national 400m U18 champion and has pace to burn. He has also transitioned from fullback and helped fill in at first five for the colts this year and will sure be a threat to teams coming up against him. Do not underestimate him.
Simeon Latu
– Simi known to most is a multitalented and skilful utility back. You may remember seeing Simi as he went viral in 2015 for a step he did in a 1stXV game for Auckland Grammar (He was only 14). He is also the third highest capped player ever at Auckland Grammar with 60 odd caps. Saying that since Simi has come to Harbour he has simply been sublime. His skills and leadership on the field has been the difference between winning and losing games. Simi has played a mix also of Premiers and Colts and quite often backs up playing 80min and then again for the premiers. He will be one to watch for the future 100%
Austin Atiga
– Austin has been the surprising glue to the premiers front row this year. He is a hooker but can also cover prop. Austin’s accuracy at lineout is his strongest asset to any team and will be welcomed by Otago as it helps win set peace ball that much easier. He tackles hard and his work rate around the field is ruthless. Austin is currently at Polytechnic studying building and will be another who has an exciting future ahead.
Phoenix Kairimu
– Phoenix has been solid for the colts this season and has also been great asset for leadership as well. Phoenix was previously selected in the Hurricanes U18’s and came to harbour and has impressed this year. His strength over the ball is amazing and rarely misses a tackle. Phoenix will be one that the Hawks will value for the next few years.
Siaki Kata
– The mystery man, Siaki turned up almost out of no where to hawks but was a great asset to have. Specifically his size being 6ft 3 and well over 100kg he can stop anyone. Siaki will be one that the under 19s may look to develop further as he definitely has the potential to. Siaki was a product of St Bedes College in Christchurch and studies commerce.
The premier colts kick off against University Gold at Watson Park this Saturday 1pm followed by the premiers against Green Island at 3pm.
Noted: Jack Kiely, David Mahe and Ben Pringle have been training with them also and are in the wider squad