Since early February, eight members of the Bill Robertson-coached team – who face href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/news/wellington/">Wellington side Western Suburbs on Sunday in fifth-round National League action – have called Kennedy Park Resort home.
The players – who make up most of the new recruits Robertson introduced from outside Hawke’s Bay for the 2024 domestic football season – are split among four units at the holiday park.
That includes brothers Kieran and Ethan Richards sharing a two-room apartment.
Forward Max Chretien – who shares a unit with defender Matt Jones – said the close bonds the group had formed living near one another had “translated on to the field”.
“It’s super-tight,” Chretien said of the bond created by the living arrangements.
“We’ve definitely got to know each other really well. It’s awesome.
“When you’re young, you want to live with your mates. So, I can’t complain at all.
“It’s awesome to come home from work and see Kezza [Kieran Richards] or Jonesy and have a chat to them, go out ... have a yarn or have a joke.
Napier City Rovers defender Matt Jones (left) and forward Max Chretien share an apartment at Kennedy Park Resort. Photo / Neil Reid
“Eight of us live together, which plays a big role. We see each other every day, we’re similar age groups and we just get along on and off the field. We’re really lucky that we click.”
Napier City Rovers go into Sunday’s clash in fifth spot in the super-congested National League points table.
Having lost Birkenhead United last Saturday 4-2, they are five points off the lead held by Auckland City.
Western Suburbs – over who Chretien’s side had a one-win, one-draw record during the Central League – are in bottom spot with a solitary draw from their first four matches of the National League.
Napier City Rovers teammates Harry Mason (left), Jonny McNamara and Max Chretien celebrate Chretien's goal during their side's 2-2 draw against Western Suburbs at Bluewater Stadium in May. Photo / Neil Reid
Sunday’s game is a match Napier City Rovers realistically must win to keep dreams alive of a top-two finish and a spot in the National League final. They will also be keen to put on a strong showing after the disappointing performance against Birkenhead United.
Making it into New Zealand Football’s flagship top-tier domestic competition had been Napier City Rovers’ stated aim since the team’s first training session on February 6.
“The boys got it done,” Chretien said.
“We’re thrilled to be in this position to be able to play summer football. And me personally, I’m super-excited to compete at a really high level with this group of boys and see how we do.”
Max Chretien calls Bluewater Stadium home, having returned to New Zealand after two years playing and studying in the US. Photo / Neil Reid
The 24-year-old Chretien played his initial senior football and studied in Christchurch.
He travelled to the US to further his studies in 2022, at the University of San Francisco. Besides playing for the university, he played for the San Francisco Glens who are in the fourth tier of America’s football structure.
After deciding to return to New Zealand, the forward and attacking midfielder signed with Napier City Rovers.
Napier City Rovers forward Max Chretien, pictured with team manager Paul Lees, at Bluewater Stadium. Photo / Neil Reid
“It seemed like the club was a really good fit for me,” Chretien said.
“[Returning to New Zealand] was a change of lifestyle for sure. New Zealand’s a bit more laid back and easy going, which was a nice change-up for sure.
“And obviously, my family is here and my friends, so it was nice to see them again. It’s good to reconnect with everyone.”
Napier City Rovers players Kieran Richards (left) and Max Chretien warm up before their side's 1-1 National League draw with Wellington Phoenix Reserves at Bluewater Stadium on October 13. Photo / Neil Reid
On the football side, he said he had joined a team that clicked personality-wise.
“And then it obviously translates on to the field,” he said.
“It’s a great atmosphere to be a part of, a great club to be a part of. It’s awesome.”
Chretien had a frustrating start to 2024 during the Central League; the competition where Napier City Rovers finished third and secured their National League qualification.
Like his teammates, he put in the hard yards into fitness and conditioning right from the first training session of the year in the build-up to the Central League.
A knee injury suffered during the pre-season meant he missed the first two months of the Central League.
Napier City Rovers forward Max Chretien has created plenty of attacking opportunities this season. Photo / Neil Reid
He then made an immediate impact on his return to fitness, scoring in his club debut during a 2-2 draw against Western Suburbs at Bluewater Stadium.
This month, some classy finishing from Chretien had him score in the round-two 2-2 draw against Eastern Suburbs in Auckland. The goal was later a nominee for New Zealand Football’s goal of the week.
“It’s not easy watching because you just want to be a part of it,” Chretien said of the early season layoff.
“Even though the boys and everyone makes you part of it, it’s still not quite the same. You have to have more going on. I’ve been through a lot of injuries, so I kind of know the process.
Napier City Rovers forward Max Chretien stretches out before a training session at Park Island. Photo / Neil Reid
“So, I leant on my relationships, my work. I started going to the gym doing my rehab, focusing on that ... at the end of the day I got back to it.
“I’m fortunate that I’m fit and ready to play in the National League, which is the most important part of the year, the part of the year that I’ve been most excited about.”
Neil Reid is a Napier-based senior reporter who covers general news, features and sport. He joined the Herald in 2014 and has 30 years of newsroom experience.
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