Opportunities well earned

HARD YARDS: Amos Roddick takes the ball into contact for Gisborne BHS against St Peter's College.

It's an opportunity they've earned.

Gisborne Boys' High School first 15 captain and openside flanker Amos Roddick, 18, and his teammate, first five-eighth Nic Proffit, 17, have been selected to attend the New Zealand Barbarians-Hurricanes age-grade camp from September 28 to October 1.

Based at Napier Boys' High School and facilitated by 'Canes recruitment and development manager Darren Larsen, the NZ Schools Barbarians-sponsored camp will have players running through nutrition, mental skills, and physical, technical/tactical and professional development with a raft of highly qualified and experienced coaches.

New Zealand Rugby's Wes Clarke will run through the NZR pathway, the likes of Poverty Bay's Miah Nikora working with the Hurricanes' Coles 15/Perenara 15 coaches in taking the halfbacks and first-fives for their positional work (Larsen assisting with the locks/loose forwards) before lunch on Day 3. At 3pm, the Coles 15 and Perenara 15 will play a scenario game.

Larsen has a high opinion of Roddick and Proffit, having tracked their progress from under-15 level.

“We like the way that Amos goes hard and shifts bodies as a specialist openside flanker — he's relentless,” Larsen said.

“Nic's shown versatility and resilience this year. In selection, we value character and talent equally.”

Proffit is excited at the prospect of playing with some of the best age-group players in the Hurricanes franchise, to learn from the Hurricanes coaches, while Roddick, too, is grateful for the opportunity.

GBHS first 15 head coach Ryan Tapsell is rapt that Roddick and Proffit, having been identified previously, are on the selectors' radar.

“They've been two of our standouts,” Tapsell said.

“Amos has the potential to be one of the top schoolboy No.7s in New Zealand. Fit and fast with a great skill-set, he loves contact and he's fearless.

“Nic has developed hugely in his first season as a No.10. Where he is now compared with where he was at the start of the season is a testament to the hard work he's put in.

“He's quick off the mark, has a good kicking and passing game, and uses his pace to get through gaps — a little like Beauden Barrett. He's also a strong defender who's learning to read situations.

“He's improving week by week and deserves this chance, but Kirk Ngatai — who's also played extremely well for us at halfback — was unlucky not to be named.”

Proffit and his GBHS captain Roddick inspire fierce loyalty from not just senior players but also players in their first year of first 15 rugby, such as lock Max Briant.

“Amos has been a great leader for us,” said Briant, 16.

“When we needed to be told something, he told us, and pushed us to keep going. He's made me feel welcome, and like I've always been a part of the team.

“Amos and Nic both work hard on their own fitness at training, and in games they're very determined.

“We're all stoked they've been selected. They deserve it.”

The entire GBHS first 15 squad will need to be at their best in this tomorrow's Super 8 clash against New Plymouth Boys' High at the Rectory from 11.30am, with the second 15 match to precede that on the No.1 ground at 10am.