Ferns rookie pays it forward

STAR QUALITY: Arihiana Marino's rugby career has seen her quick progression to the Black Ferns after dazzling selectors while playing for the Counties Manukau Heat provincial team. PHOTO/RICHARD SPRANGER

Northlander played in boys grade till aged 16

NORTHLAND-BORN rugby player Arihiana Marino has come a long way since her junior playing days in the rural surrounds of Te Ahuahu.

Therefore her recent addition to the New Zealand women's rugby team - the Black Ferns - speaks volumes, especially for a country girl who grew up playing rugby in the local boys grade until the age of 16.

"I guess it's been a long journey, quite humbling [and] exciting," Marino says.

"There's all of these emotions flooding you at the same time [earning the black jersey] but it's something you work hard for and to finally get the opportunity is very humbling."

Having previously worn a black jersey for the New Zealand women's rugby league team, the Aotearoa Maori sevens side and age grade and Maori touch rugby sides, the 1.61m, 79kg halfback/first five has recently been kicking up a storm for the Counties Manakau Heat provincial team.

By joining the Black Ferns squad, Marino teams up with Kaihu Valley's Black Ferns stalwart Aleisha Nelson.

"I think for me it's just experience, learning off the older more experienced players here and filling up my basket of knowledge and moving forward," Marino says.

As the Black Ferns embark on their current tour in Canada, with matches against the host nation, England and the US, Marino admits she's all the better for her humble upbringing.

"It's the country life, all the simple things but I guess it makes you appreciate every little thing - we didn't have much," Marino says of her youth. And at just 23, Marino is already intent on paying it forward with her rugby nous.

"I work with a lot of girls from up north who come down and play club rugby in Auckland. A few of them stay with us on Friday, train and then play on Saturday.

"It's just the start for them and hopefully they can make the dream as well."

The Black Ferns play Canada tomorrow morning.