ITM Cup: Craft-Chemis realises ITM dream

Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, left, Bay of Plenty Steamers winger/fullback, is one of the fastest players in the squad and keen to continue taking his chances. Photo / John Borren

When Whaimotu Craft-Chemis badly injured his foot while pig-hunting this year, he was in serious doubt of making the Bay of Plenty Steamers team.

But a long recovery paid off for the winger/fullback when he debuted for the Steamers last month, before scoring his first ITM Cup try last weekend in the 37-26 win over Counties Manukau.

Craft-Chemis, 26, grew up on the east coast but joined up with Rotorua club side Whakarewarewa last season in a bid to make the Bay of Plenty Steamers squad.

He just missed out on the ITM Cup team last year but was encouraged to try again this year under new Bay coach Clayton McMillan.

Unfortunately, a foot injury put him out for most of the club season this year during his second attempt at making the Steamers.

"I tore some ligaments in the inside of my foot. It was at the start of the year when I was back home pig-hunting and I rolled it," he said.

"[As a result] I probably only played about three half-games for Whaka and then one full game towards the end of the season.

"I wasn't too sure if I'd make the Steamers because I had not had much game time in the club competition. But I ended up getting in and I was stoked."

He said getting his debut against Tasman last month and his first start last weekend against Counties was a dream come true.

"It was good to finally get my debut, and good to finally dot down too," he said. "It's been a dream of mine since I pretty much left high school. I went to Taranaki and didn't quite get there [with their ITM Cup team] but moved here and got the crack with the Steamers, so it is good."

He said there were a few nerves last weekend ahead of his first start in the ITM Cup.

"It was good, there was a bit of nerves, but I got through the game all right with no injuries. So I was just excited to get out there with the boys."

If Craft-Chemis is named in the Steamers team today to face Taranaki tomorrow at the Rotorua International Stadium, it will give him a great chance to show Taranaki what they missed out on.

"I made pre-season for them but that was pretty much as far as I got. It would be good to get one over them."

Craft-Chemis is easily one of the fastest in the Steamers squad and said his goal during the remainder of the season was to continue to take his chances and go injury-free.

Fraser, Craft-Chemis and the currently injured Papa Wharewera were out and about together yesterday morning at Rotorua schools, promoting the Bully Free Bro programme.

Details
•What: Bay of Plenty Steamers v Taranaki
•Where: Rotorua International Stadium, 5.35pm tomorrow
•How much: Adults $20, children (5-14 years) $5, under-5s free

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