New role for Ngatu

Ngatapa forward Sione Ngatu (with the ball) says taking on the role of player-coach for the premier side is a way of giving back to a club that has “been very good to me”. Picture by Paul Rickard

Poverty Bay’s most capped player, Sione Ngatu, has taken on the role of Ngatapa player-coach for this season’s premier club competition.

Ngatu, who has played 153 games for the Bay, will run the forwards while former Bay and Marist fullback David McDonald is in charge of the backs.

They replace Will Faulks and Josh Willoughby, although Willoughby said he was happy to help out if needed.

“It’s going to be a challenge coaching and playing, but I’m looking forward to it,” Ngatu said.“Everybody knows I’m not a talker so that’s also a challenge.

“The club had someone lined up to coach but that fell through. The club has been good to me since I joined and this is another way of me giving something back.”

Ngatu said midfield back Anthony Karauria and first five-eighth Chris Richardson would co-captain the side.

“They’re both experienced guys and I’ve got Campbell Chrisp and his brother Alex in the forwards. Jason Jones is still with us but won’t be available until later in the month. He’s busy with work and a young family.”

McDonald said Ngatapa were reasonably well off in the backs.

Karauria, Karl Macpherson, Richardson, Livingston, Alex Meban and Cameron Rouden have all returned.

“Chris, Pete and Cameron are all capable of playing halfback but we’re probably looking at using Chris at No.10, with Cameron at fullback or on the wing,” said McDonald. “Whenever he played there last season he impressed.

“We’ve also signed Oka Sanerivi, a back from Hamilton, who looks handy.”

Sanerivi is a former Waikato sevens player, who played centre for Hamilton Marist. He arrived here in November to take up a position as a physiotherapist for Sport Gisborne-Tairawhiti.

“We (wife Deborah and daughters Aniva, 2, and Lagimalie, 3 months) love it here,” he said. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming.

“I wanted to play for a country club and after meeting Sione and a few of the senior players at Ngatapa, decided to play for them. It’s a great family club and I’m looking forward to playing.

Ngatapa open the season against YMP at the Tiny White Memorial Day in Wairoa on Saturday.