“Losing his experience and commitment is a huge loss. He showed in the Queen’s Birthday game against East Coast he can still play at this level, but I respect his decison.
“It also frees him up to spend more time wth his young family.
“He stepped into the coaching role with Ngatapa this season but when they got hit with a lot of injures he was back playing, and it’s a credit to him the way the team played this season.”
Ngatu guided the team to a semifinal spot only to be beaten 30-26 by YMP on Saturday..
Ngatu said there was no point in talking about the ifs and buts.
“It’s not going to change the result,” said Ngatu, who holds the record for the number of appearances for the Bay (154) and played his 202nd game for Ngatapa at the weekend.
The 36-year-old’s rep career started in 2003 under the late Tony Hyland —a 17-14 loss to Ngati Porou East Coast on August 9.
Since then, Kiwi Searancke (2004/05), Paul Feeney (2006 to 2008), Grainger Heikell (2009 to 2012) Mutu Ngarimu (2013 to 2016) and Mana Otai (2017) have all selected Ngatu, and he has also made Heartland 15 squad.
“I was happy to play wherever the coach wanted me to play. Rugby has always been about the team and my teammates,” Ngatu said.
“But training and playing for Ngatapa and the Bay takes up a lot of time and I want to spend more time with my family.”
Otai’s 35-man squad includes loan players George Lelenoa (a Waikato-based prop), Andrew Petelo (former Tasman Makos prop) Mapa Tu’ipulotu (former Manawatu Turbos midfield back) and former Samoan sevens international and 2010 Samoa rugby league squad member Tom Iosefo of Hawke’s Bay.
Also in the squad is Taranaki-based former Poverty Bay lock Micaiah Torrance-Reid as a player of origin.
“Micaiah is a huge talent with size, speed and Mitre 10 Cup experience,” said Otai.
“We’re happy he’s signed as a player of origin but we’ll also be happy to let him go should Taranaki need him.”
New to Heartland rugby are utility back Matt Raleigh (Ngatapa), openside flanker Callum McDonald (OBM), fullback Cameron Rowden (Ngatapa), midfield back Oka Senerivi, halfback Hamuera Baker (Waikohu), lock Sam McDell (Nga) and No.8 Jesse Kapene (Wairoa Athletic).
Otai said the selection process was difficult as a lot of players put up their hands through strong club performances.
“The intensity of games has gone up another notch, which is great for the local competition as well as our Heartland campaign.”
Those unavailable were OBM back Jake Holmes (going overseas), OBM prop Jody Allen (going overseas), HSOB openside flanker Stefan Destounis (work) and Ngatapa winger Karl Macpherson (work).
“The focus this year will be a strong set piece and some flair in the backs,” Otai said. “We believe we have a well-balanced side with a strong platform to work from at set pieces, and some exciting talent in the backs, which has been a key strength of our club competition”.
Poverty Bay chief executive and former Bay back Josh Willoughby said Otai and Russell had put a lot of time and effort into this year’s campaign so far.
Willoughby also paid tribute to his former Ngatapa team-mate Ngatu.
“Sione Ngatu will always be a special part of this team whether he’s on the team sheet or not.
“He’s been a tremendous ambassador, not only for his long service but also the way he has represented the union.
“He’s a humble, proud and inspiring man on and off the field . . . a true Poverty Bay legend,”
