“I’ll miss the feeling of actually being on the field injury-free, having fun, the ruck marks, bruises, burned ears and most of all the banter that we as players give each other,” said Blackman, who had surgery on his left knee last year and sprained his ankle in their semifinal win over Tihirau Victory Club.
“I needed to prove to myself that I could still play a solid game of rugby — a good end to my journey.
“I’ve been fortunate to have an awesome wife, Kel, who has supported me throughout my journey and tolerated my wins, losses, travel, time away from home and, of course, injuries and recovery.
“Needless to say, she’s looking forward to me hanging my boots up and spending more time taking my boys (Costa, 16, and John-Sonny, 10) surfing.”
Blackman served in the Royal New Zealand Navy between 1996 and 2004, winning Sailor of the Year award in 2003 and leaving the senior service as a leading seaman.
He played rugby, league, basketball and volleyball for the Navy, and rugby for the New Zealand Defence Forces and North Harbour Maori in 2002.
During his time in Auckland, he was coached by, among others, legendary All Black captain Wayne “Buck” Shelford.
Upon his return home, former Wellington representative Dunn Kaiwai and East Coast great Eli Manuel introduced him to the local game, where he learned from old heads such as Victor Taingahue, Tyrone Delamere, Horace Lewis, Doone Harrison and Willie Waitoa.
Blackman debuted for Ngati Porou East Coast in 2004. His 50th and last game for them was their Heartland Championship Meads Cup triumph in 2012. He played with his younger brothers Patrick (nine EC caps, 2009-2010) and Keepa at senior level; with Keepa for Uawa and Patrick for the Coast.
His coaches have included Buck Gray, father Geoff Blackman and Pirates’ Pat Makiri. He counts Uawa stalwarts Boydie Donald, Sean Poananga, Nigel McGrannachan, Zac Horomia and the late Parekura Horomia, former Minister of Maori Affairs, among his influences.
“Our tikanga (custom) is to share leadership across teams, and players and coaches are role models.
“Our chairman Darryl Crawford, our JAB across all the codes we have now, the Tolaga Bay volunteer fire service — they all support us.
“ Like most other communities, the morale of the people is affected strongly by the wins and losses of their rugby team,” said Blackman.
“That’s who we play for.”
