Boys keen to follow in dad's boot-steps

MADE IN WAIKITE: Brothers Michael, 7 (left), Luke, 6, and Alex Miller, 16, with Drew Hahunga, 7, ready to turn out for the Waikite rugby club. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 280214BF9

Waikite and former Bay of Plenty Steamers player Mike Miller has two young sons, Luke, 6, and Michael, 7, eager to lace up their boots.

"They are both pretty excited to get the season under way," Miller said.

Miller played many years for the Waikite rugby club and speaks with pride that his young sons are keen to follow in his footsteps.

"The younger one, Luke, played rippa rugby last year and came of age once he got the hang of it," he said.

"He just loved it and can't wait to get out there again."

Miller said the boys were taught to get their rugby boots and gear ready the night before a game.

"They must have their boots clean and shorts washed, and their mouthguards washed."

Tomorrow the club expects to have about 180-200 boys and girls at the club muster.

Normally, Waikite would field up to eight teams between under-6 and under-12 levels, he said.

Most games last between 20-30 minutes.

Generous sponsorship - this year from Brisbane-based scaffolding company SidebySide and local firm Need-a-Nerd - will contribute $14,000 towards the cost of jerseys for all junior teams.

The key to junior rugby was good support from parents, which helped schedule regular training sessions and referees, he said.

"The kids feel much more satisfied if the games are run on time and are well structured."