Garrick Cowley's selection in the Manu Samoan rugby team this week had special significance.
The Bay of Plenty halfback was named to tour England, Scotland and Argentina next month, along with Steamers teammate and incumbent test player Paul Tupai. Another Steamer, fullback Apoua Stewart, was a surprise omission.
But Cowley's elevation was
particularly poignant. His Samoan-born father Jerry - a pillar of the Rotorua sporting community - died last year of a heart-attack.
The former national basketball player was remembered as much for helping others achieve their sporting aspirations as for his own endeavours - and his son was delighted to dedicate his selection to him.
"He would have been really happy," Cowley said simply.
"I only made the decision a couple of weeks ago to chuck my name in the hat and had the opinion I had nothing to lose. I haven't lost anything but I've gained a whole lot so it's been a really good experience."
The qualified lawyer joins his sister as a national representative - Sarah Cowley is the New Zealand University long jump champion and is eyeing a spot in the Commonwealth Games team.
Cowley moved back to Bay of Plenty this year after completing studies at Otago University, and shapes as a key back-up to recently recruited Crusaders halfback Jamie Nutbrown in the Steamers next year.
Tupai is aiming to use the tour to secure a playing contract in England after ending an illustrious 115-game Bay of Plenty career last week against Northland. The Manu Samoa side assembles next week for a week-long camp in Auckland, before flying out to London.
SAMOAN SQUAD:
Backs: Garrick Cowley (BOP), Notise Tauafau (Samoa), Ellota Fuimaono-Sapolu (Auck), Faletoese Talapusi (Samoa), Terry Fanoloa (Gloucester), Kiri Mariner (Samoa), Akuso Collins (Wgtn), Anitele'a Tuilagi (Leicester), Brian Lima (Bristol), Gasolo Salima (Yazaki, Japan), Lome Fa'atau (Wgtn), Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester), Lolo Lui (Samoa), Roger Warren (Cardiff). Forwards: Justin Va'a (Wgtn), Donald Kerslake (Samoa), Kas Lealamanu'a (Biarritz, France), Census Johnston (Taranaki), Mahonri Schwalger (Wgtn), Sonny Faata (Samoa), Pelu Taele-Pavihi (Otago), Paul Tupai (BOP), Daniel Leo (Queensland), Opeta Palepoi (Borders). Simaika Mikaele (Samoa), Semo Sititi (Borders), Jonathon Faamatuainu (Auck), Iosefa Taina (Samoa), Uila Uila (Samoa), Daniel Farani (Coventry).
