Inside information from outdoors fun

By WYNNE GRAY

On his free day with the Hurricanes, Brent Ward would go with Christian Cullen and Paul Tito for a game of golf.

It was a ritual that took the trio to swanky courses such as Paraparaumu and Heretaunga - layouts Ward had only dreamed of playing.

But Cullen's influence on the Kapiti Coast was strong. His game and his name opened doors.

Before he left Auckland for his Super 12 contract in the capital, Ward had played some golf.

But because of the rising costs, he let his membership lapse and his handicap ease, concentrating more on university studies and his rugby.

Then in the golden glow of the NPC victory with Auckland last season, the fullback/wing hit another jackpot with the offer of the contract with the Hurricanes.

"If someone had said I was going to play NPC I would not have believed it, and then to get involved with the Super 12 was magic," he said.

"It did not matter that I missed the Blues, I was involved at a higher level anyway.

"I went from earning zip to good money."

For the 24-year-old, it was like the infomercial line - "but wait, there's more."

At the end of the Super 12, he was in the group of players chosen to back up the All Black squad.

"I was at the physio that day, I think, and I heard that Ma'a Nonu had been picked and I was pleased about that.

"Then someone mentioned something about another squad. I didn't really understand what all that was about until someone told me I was in.

"I got a good shock - it had been an amazing six months."

In Wellington, Ward reactivated his golfing interest.

"Once a week we got out and it was great. Cully was the best, he was on about a five. He hits it long, and his strength would be around the greens where he can chip and putt.

"I did not do my uni studies down there, but I am doing one paper [in international marketing] during the NPC," he said. "I've got five papers left to finish my Bachelor of Business Studies.

"It is good to do something outside rugby. It is a difficult discipline, but I think it helps."

Tonight, Ward faces his old golfing adversary Cullen and many of his former Hurricanes team-mates when Auckland play Wellington at Eden Park.

Cullen was generous with his tips about fullback play, the position Ward favours when he gets a chance.

"Just watching him play and at training was worth plenty," Ward said.

He got to work alongside Cullen when regular left- wing Jonah Lomu was injured.

"I did not want to think too much about taking over from Jonah," he said. "I just wanted to prove to the team that I was good enough to be in their company, that I deserved to be there."

Ward injured his hip and missed playing the Blues in the Super 12, but his consistent performances brought approval from the national selectors.

If he was asked to rejoin the Hurricanes he would, as that was a fact of life as a professional rugby player.

But his priority was to perform for Auckland with the initial aim of being picked for the Blues next season - a task which would be difficult with competition from Mils Muliaina, Doug Howlett, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear.

This week he has looked to wise up his NPC mates about the challenges coming tonight from Cullen, Nonu and Co.

"I have been trying to tell them what to expect, because I have watched them up close and seen what damage they can deliver."