Broken arm ends Vuki's season

TWO ON ONE: Poverty Bay midfielder Isaia Vuki takes on Ngati Porou East Coast’s Hone Haerewa (left) and Manaia Nyman in a Heartland Championship game. Vuki wil miss the rest of the season after breaking his forearm against West Coast last week. Picture by Paul Rickard

POVERTY Bay centre Isaia Vuki’s Heartland Championship season is over after surgery on the radius bone in his right forearm.

Vuki broke the bone in last week’s win against West Coast and LeaderBrand Poverty Bay coach Mana Otai said the absence of the Fijian was a blow heading into a crucial away game against North Otago on Saturday.

The South Islanders are eighth on the table on 14 points with the Bay four points behind.

“Issy brings a lot of experience to the side and one of the things I looked for from last year’s loan players, before deciding on the chice of loan players, was their ability to finish,” Otai said.

Vuki and Ratu Daurua (both Bay of plenty loan players) were the top tryscorers.

“But it’s not just about their finishing, they’re both good team players.”

Daurua missed last week’s clash due to a family beavement but is available for selection as the Bay chase a third successive bonus point win, with three games remaining before the semfinals.

“The first priority is always to win but bonus points could be crucial at the end of the season, trying to getr a spot in the playoffs,” Otai said.

Lock-cum-loosie Leslie Hills is back training and in contention for a place in the 22-man squad.

Hills damaged his knee two weeks ago but physio Mike Evans said he has responded well to treatment.

“Les is good to go,” Evans said.

“There are a few niggles, which is usual at this stage of the season otherwise Mana have a full squad to choose from.”