“I’ve never been about records or the number of games but I just couldn’t help thinking about it.”
The popular Tongan, who made his debut for the Bay in 2003, went on to thank his family, friends, Bay and Ngatapa coaches and teammates, and club and rep supporters.
“I owe them all, for their support and belief in me, especially all the coaches who have continued to pick me.
“I also owe a big vote of thanks to our physio, Mike Evans, who has kept me on the field every week.
“After every game the body is sore and then I come to training and Mike gets me ready for another game.”
Poverty Bay skipper Murray Hewson said it was the Bay who owed Ngatu.
“He’s been a fantastic player and great man on and off the field, and I look forward to playing many more games with him,” said Hewson, now only 18 games away from joining the Bay’s other 100 club members — Grant Allen (118), Trevor Crosby (112) Wilton McFarlane (105), Phil Duncan (103) and Jamie Hutana (102).
The commemorative jerseyStanding in for Newlands, who could not be present, Ngatapa life member Allen presented Ngatu with a framed Poverty Bay 132nd-game commemorative jersey.
“Robbie was upset and disappointed that he couldn’t be here; he would have loved to have been here to mark this occasion,” Allen said.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but I know he would have echoed what everyone who knows Sione has been saying — he’s a top man, a credit to Ngatapa, the Bay and rugby.”
Although it was a disappointing season for the Bay, who finished second-bottom, Ngatu was one of the most consistent players and was named best and fairest player at Saturday night’s end-of-season prize-giving.
High School Old Boys loose forward Tamanui Hill followed up his Lee Brothers Shield success with the Bay’s player-of-the-year award.
The 22-year-old, who can play six, seven or eight, was outstanding on defence, ran strongly with the ball and threw out quality passes.
The former Gisborne Boys’ High School first 15 player spent two seasons in England before returning to Gisborne this season.
At the time, he said he had not thought about making the Bay team . . . he did not think he was good enough.
“I was surprised to win the player of the year award,” he said yesterday.
“I enjoyed the season and being part of the squad but it would have been better if we’d won more games. We played some good rugby in patches but lacked consistency.
“From a personal point of view, I hope I can use this season as a stepping stone towards becoming a professional rugby player.
“But not just yet. I’m keen to stay here for another season.”
Hill said one of the things he enjoyed was playing with players he normally played against in club rugby and playing against other provinces.
“When you’re playing for your club, you concentrate on your teammates, but playing and training alongside Corban Barbara (Pirates flanker) and James Grogan (OBM flanker), I was amazed at their workrate. It was outstanding.”
AWARDS — Most improved: Corban Barbara.
Benchmark (sign of excellence): James Grogan/Isaia Walker-Leawere.
Best and fairest: Sione Ngatu.
Peter Brown Memorial (Mana Tangata): Murray Hewson.
Player of the year (Paul Sceats Memorial): Tamanui Hill.
Under-20 — Most improved: Shyann Wyllie.
Team man: Jacob Cook.
Most promising: Treigh Christy.
Player of the year: Leslie Hills.
