Nigel Hunt took the best part of five seasons to chalk up 15 games forWellington, after making his debut as a 19-year-old halfback or wing utility in 2003.
Tomorrow he'll return to the capital for the first time since switching provinces, having amassed eight games in as many weeks as Bay of Plenty's new solution to second-five.
He's already realised one ambition _ to become a permanent fixture in the Steamers backline.
Now the New Zealand sevens representative has set his sights on more honours.
"I just wanted the opportunity _ that's the sole reason I moved up here," Hunt said, following yesterday's training at Te Puke Intermediate.
"I'd been in Wellington for a decent stint but you've got to get on the field during the provincial competition to give yourself a chance to get a Super 14 contract."
Hunt isn't a complete midfield rookie _ he played second-five or halfback while in the Porirua College first XV.
He specialised as a halfback for Tawa in the Wellington club competition but struggled to nail down a position with the Wellington team behind All Black No9 Piri Weepu. Despite the best part of six years away from the midfield, he's made a solid start to his career in the Bay's No12 jersey.
Someone who knows a fair bit about that particular jersey is Steamers backline mentor and former Bay player Steve Miln, who said Hunt was still finding his feet.
"As a 12, he's taking small steps forward and learning the game," Miln said.
"e's been one of those guys who had previously been all over the place but he's seeming increasingly comfortable about being in one position in the centres.
"He's a bit of a line-break king which is really good for us because he's setting a few of our plays up."
Miln said Hunt's sevens experience was a plus for his defence and there wasn't too much concern with the odd handling spill as he liked to push the boundaries in his play.
"He plays a pretty high risk game but at the end of the day that's beneficial for us.
"We back him if he wants to give things a crack and try to off-load _ he's not always going to get it right but I don't see it as a major issue."
Both teams head into tomorrow's table-topping match with four wins from four outings, and Hunt has strong, but not insurmountable ties to his former team.
"Obviously I've got good mates in the Wellington side and I'm marking one of them but there ain't no friends on the field.
"It's a rugby game _ we can have a good time afterwards."
It's the start of a big four-week block for the Bay with games against Super 14 bases Otago, Auckland and Canterbury to follow.
Miln doesn't believe the Bay has gotten a soft ride out of the draw so far but acknowledges Wellington will be a step up.
"You need to play 80 minutes against Wellington _ they can put you away in a short time if you don't and get away from you.
"Our game plan will take care of itself but if we're not doing the small things well, that's were they'll get you."
The only change to the Steamers starting line-up will see Tauranga Sports utility Toby Arnold, recovered from injury, getting a start on the left wing with Teu Nafe going back to the bench.
And although Hunt and Cory Aporo have been named as second-five and centre respectively, expect some swapping to go on during the game with both capable of breaking the line as left and right centres.
The only change in the reserves sees Kelly Haimona return to the bench and Josh Hall drops out of the match squad.
The forward pack remains the same with James McGougan running freely despite leaving the field against Northland with a knee injury.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.