By TERRY MADDAFORD
It will never come close to Super Bowl, that amazing highlight of the American sporting year, but for local gridiron fans two matches against a visiting team is as good as it gets.
The Nebraskan College team Doane Tigers, in New Zealand for a third visit in the past
decade but their first in Auckland, will play the national side, the New Zealand Haka, at Ellerslie Domain tomorrow and in Wellington next week.
It is no surprise the matches are being played at converted rugby and league grounds as the sport has yet to establish a permanent home in New Zealand.
"Visits like this are a tremendous boost for our sport," says Brian Palalagi, the chairman of Gridiron New Zealand. "There are now about 15 clubs in New Zealand, with most in Auckland. It is not very often our players have the chance to play opposition like this."
The matches give up to 30 local players the chance to test themselves at a higher level. There is also the opportunity to impress and perhaps get an offer to play in the States.
Even though he is not in a position to offer scholarships, Doane head coach Fran Schwenk will be on the look-out for possible recruits and in a position to pass names on.
This season, which runs from late October to March, young Joseph Tuineau was spotted by a scout from the South East Missouri University and will head to the States in August on a football scholarship.
A handful of players have gone to the United States to further their gridiron careers, including David Dixon, who is playing with the Minnesota Vikings.
"It is not a major sport as such in New Zealand," Palalagi says, "so it is important our players take any opportunities."
While hardly a giant at 68kg and under 1.8m, 17-year-old Matthew Hurley has made his mark as a wide receiver and again has the chance to pit his skills against strong opposition.
He was in the national squad who played matches in Sacramento and Seattle last September after making his mark for North Shore club North Harbour Pride.
"I believe he has the ability to make it in the US," says former Gridiron New Zealand development manager Wayne Wright.
North Harbour Pride, under the guidance of head coach and quarterback Joe Ashfield, are leading the local competition and remain on course to retain the KiwiBowl, New Zealand's Super Bowl.
Doane have brought 19 players for their two-match tour.
"Their visit is a two-fold one," Palalagi says.
"The matches will hopefully boost the image of our sport. It will also give those who might be interested in a change of code a viable alternative.
"We have between 800 and 1000 active players.
"Many come into gridiron after coming to watch their mates. Not surprisingly, most of them are ex-rugby or league players.
"We also have a lot of players who see our sport as a means of getting their fitness levels up in the off-season."
Tomorrow's match starts at 1.30pm. The second game will be played at the Tawa Rugby Club, at 4pm on Wednesday.
By TERRY MADDAFORD
It will never come close to Super Bowl, that amazing highlight of the American sporting year, but for local gridiron fans two matches against a visiting team is as good as it gets.
The Nebraskan College team Doane Tigers, in New Zealand for a third visit in the past
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