“As results show, North Otago have proved hard to beat, just as I am sure they will be tomorrow.
“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. It’s nice to win and pick up bonus points but there’s still a lot of work to be done. But the good thing is, we are improving.”
The 36-year-old Ngatu came to Gisborne 14 years ago and has been a regular with Ngatapa ever since.
A quiet man whose actions speak louder than his words, Ngatu would cringe if the term “legend” was used to describe him.
But ask any of his Ngatapa and Bay teammates and coaches, and they will tell you that title is an apt description of the gentle giant from Tonga — unless he is running at you with the ball in hand or making tackles.
All Black and Bay legend Ian Kirkpatrick was glowing in his praise of Ngatu,
“A hundred and fifty games — that’s pretty amazing, considering he’s had to change from being a loosie to a prop in the past few seasons,” Kirkpatrick said.
Specialist position“It’s a specialist position (prop) that takes years to learn. Sione is probably propping against guys who have been playing there all their senior careers. It’s a big call but Sione’s done well.
“He’s been a real stalwart for Ngatapa and the Bay over the years. He’s had the odd injury but it’s his stickability that makes him such a valuable member of any team he plays for.
“And the thing is, having been a loosie he’s a bloody good ball carrier who is good support for Siosiua Moala, who is our best ball carrier at present.”
Although Otai has been associated with Ngatu only this season, he is also a big fan.
“Where do you start in describing a man like Sione,” Otai said.
“He definitley lets his actions do his talking but such is the respect he has from the boys, when he does talk they listen.
“He’s a very knowledgeable footballer and loves the game.
“We all know the work he does every game but I must admit I was surprised when I watched a review of the game against West Coast. His cover defence was outstanding.
“On one particular occasion he chased their winger and when I looked at where Sione came from, midfield . . . it was pretty impressive.
“He was running the lines of a loosie.”
For the record, Ngatu has won the Paul Sceats Memorial Cup for player of the year four times and been picked four times for the New Zealand Heartland 15.
But as he has often said in the past: “I’m just one of 22 players who form the team every matchday”.
