100 Years of Bay Rugby: Steamer of the future

If you look closely at the picture you might see the faded remains of a scar running down Carlos Price's left arm.
It's about 10cm long and runs down the inside and outside of his elbow. It's pink and raised but it doesn't hurt.
You might see the physical remains of where he had corrective surgery. You might see the scars where he had pins inserted. What you won't see is the pain and months of recovery needed to give Carlos back the use of his elbow.
You won't know about his enduring work ethic or never-failing dedication to get back into the game he loves.
Behind this injury is a smiling youngster who overcame a physical barrier and turned his obstacle into a strength.
When I visited Carlos at his Mt Maunganui family home, we talked about the scar and how it was caused when he jumped off the playground.
He was 4 years old and his jumping spot was only a metre high. He'd jumped off it many times before but this time he landed awkwardly and his arm snapped in eight places.
I cringe but Carlos smiles because that scar is what's made him the player he is today. His dad, Richard, said it was a terrible accident but a blessing in disguise.
"He's ambidextrous. He was really good with a sword with his left hand, going back and forwards," Richard displays in a figure eight motion.
Then after the accident, a few weeks later, he started doing it with his right hand and he got pretty good and was as good on his right as he was on his left.
"It's what's made him different as a player because most kids have a dominant side when they pass the ball, but Carlos can pass extremely well off both sides," Richard said.
"Passing is such an important part of the game, and often one side is favoured over the other, but [Carlos] is as strong on his right as he is on his left, and as much as it was a setback, [his injury] has turned into a blessing."
Carlos is a talented young rugby player and has impressed coaches on and off the field. He kicks with precision, he runs confidently with the ball and passes with accuracy both left and right. Carlos plays first-five, he kicks with his left foot and also kicks conversions.
His coach Kane Hames said: "Carlos has been under some great coaches in Steve Miln and Reuben Parkinson but he also has natural ability. He likes to train hard and is always willing to learn. He is a great kid with an awesome sense of humour.
"I hope his Roller Mills trials go well as it will be great to see him in blue and gold this year and in the future."
Sitting at the Price's kitchen table, Richard talks about his son's achievements. He smiles and his eyes sparkle. He's extremely proud of Carlos, he's a doting dad and would bend over backwards for his son.
Theresa, Carlos' mother, is also a huge supporter and said her son's abilities were more than just natural talent.
"Of course that comes into play, but he does work hard for it, and we make sure he still has time for homework - it's important to be well balanced," she said.
"We're extremely proud of him. He has made a few sacrifices but he's dedicated, and we will support him in every way we can," Theresa said.
Carlos began playing rugby at the tender age of 3. His mum said he began to walk at 9 months and not long after, Carlos would carry a rugby ball around with him everywhere he went.
"He started playing at the Mount, and it was touch back then. He'd see the older boys kicking and passing the ball around on another field so he'd go off the field and try to join in.
"In winter he's carrying around a rugby ball and in the summer it's a cricket ball. Somehow sport is always involved," Theresa said.
Carlos' love of rugby flows through his veins and when his family moved to Tauranga when he was a toddler, rugby naturally made its way into Carlos' life.
Over the years Carlos has climbed through the age groups, representing his school, club and province.
Last year Carlos was a member of the Tauranga East Tai Mitchell team and he played for Tauranga West this year. He's also played Ellis Shield and in the Under 45kg Western Bay of Plenty side.
His numerous rugby commitments means he has a very demanding schedule, and until a few weeks ago, Carlos has had little time to be a kid.
Monday was a rest day - his only day free of rugby where he had time to focus on his homework. Tuesday was club training (he plays for Mt Maunganui Under 13 team) and Wednesday was practice for Tai Mitchell West team. Thursday it was club practice again and Friday was another Tai Mitchell training. On Saturday Carlos played his club game and on Sunday he played his Tai Mitchell game.
By now the weekend is over and it's time to start a new week.
"I do get a little bit tired but I don't ever want to stop," the enthusiastic 12-year-old said.
With a schedule like this it's amazing to see how Carlos has time for anything other than rugby.
But in his spare time, which is rare, he enjoys PlayStation. He's also taking guitar lessons, from his mum, on a guitar that's strung for a left-hander.
Term three has begun, Tai Mitchell rugby has ended and things are a now little less hectic - but Carlos is still playing for his club team and is waiting to hear if he has been selected for the Bay of Plenty Roller Mills team.
Carlos comes from a successful sporting family. His legendary uncle, current Kiwi and Warrior player Jerome Ropati, had much influence on him, and together they often kicked a ball around in the backyard. When Carlos was born, Richard and Theresa worked nights so they lived with Theresa's parents in Auckland. Ropati, who is 14 years his senior, also lived with the family. Carlos said Ropati had been his biggest influence and a strong supporter.
Carlos remembered: "When I was growing up I lived with him and he was a big brother to me. We used to play rugby together. He's taught me to be quite modest about things."
That much is certainly clear - Carlos is a well spoken, extremely polite young man. He knows he's gifted but he also knows it's not going to be handed to him on a silver platter. He's seen the hard work and dedication needed to be a top sports star and said he'd like to follow in his uncle's shoes. League or rugby - Carlos is undecided.
"That's what I want to do though, I want to play for my country, New Zealand, and I think I can get there."
In March Ropati ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his 130th match for the club. This injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the NRL season, but he's back in the gym, strengthening his knee.
Last week Carlos visited Auckland and spent time with his uncle, who took him to a Warriors gym session. Not many 12-year-olds can say they've trained with the Warriors. But Carlos can.
"It was pretty cool, and I just did his exercises with him," Carlos said. He understands what it will take to be a top sports star and said the reason he stands out from others is his work ethic and dedication to the sport.
"When we have fitness I don't put in a little bit of effort, I put in everything because I don't think you should take it easy.
"I'd like to thank my parents for taking me to all my practices and games, and my coaches last year and this year - they're the best coaches I could ever have."
His favourite Steamer of all time is Mike Delany and he's been to watch a few premier games. He hasn't been to any Super 15 games but is off to the Rugby World Cup to watch some international games with his family. He's excited to watch Samoa vs Wales and the All Blacks vs France - one of the most anticipated games of the tournament.
"We're going to watch the All Blacks win the World Cup," he said adamantly. If words could win the World Cup, then Carlos is saying all the right things. And when he's sitting in the grandstand, looking down at the players below, he might imagine it's him in the black jersey in 10 years time.