He had several years out of the game before returning this season, but had always dreamed of playing for Poverty Bay.
After playing rep rugby through the age grades, he put on the senior team's scarlet jersey this year and said it had been “a long time coming”.
He made a name for himself as a hard-working and fierce flanker. His fitness helped him stand out as one of the top loose forwards in the competition.
Ngati Porou East Coast coach Hosea Gear called him “the best No.7 in the competition”.
Destounis said Poverty Bay's team culture helped him to excel.
“It's been really special. People turn up on Tuesday excited to train and see everyone after the weekend.
“As much as it sounds like a cliché, you don't get to perform if your team isn't around to set the stage.”
Higgins also made a strong impression this year with his powerful scrummaging and work-rate.
A prop and a crowd favourite, Higgins was key to Poverty Bay's set-piece and never shied away from getting stuck into the hard jobs.
His original absence from the Heartland squad raised a few eyebrows here, but he is now firmly in the playing picture.
He laughed when asked if he had started indulging in off-season treats, and said he'd managed to avoid them before the call-up.
With a game of such magnitude in front of selectors, he said he was looking to play well — but that was his approach for every game.
He wanted to give thanks to the “red kingdom” of supporters for their ongoing commitment to the Poverty Bay team.
