May Harbour find the force with Luke

By CHRIS RATTUE

North Harbour's cherished dream of a first NPC title will rest heavily on the young shoulders of Luke McAlister.

And if the 2002 IRB under-19 player of the year can shine, the drum beats which suggest he is the test first five-eighths of the future will grow louder.

A bold prediction, maybe, for a player who turns 20 this month and has played just one NPC season.

But the junior star - New Zealand's age-grade player of the year last season - has a Carlos Spencer touch of magic about him that, if moulded correctly, means the rugby world is his for the taking.

McAlister has already demonstrated a considered approach off the field which if translated to the game means he is in good stead.

The youngster, with North Harbour's encouragement, declared himself unavailable for Super 12 or development teams late last year, taking a break to re-fuel for what he hopes are the hectic years ahead. It indicated the confidence in his potential, and the lofty goals being plotted for the McAlister career.

In consultation with his father, the former blockbusting Taranaki wing Charlie McAlister, the teenager worked out a six-year plan, the details of which he won't reveal.

The first step though was to take the break, although it would have been enforced anyway as McAlister subsequently found he needed shoulder surgery in December - the legacy of an injury suffered against Northland in September.

So while rugby comrades launched into training, McAlister spent six weeks with his arm in a sling, and four travelling with his father to the United States and England, where he spent nine years as a child.

"If things work out I'm not going to get much rest over the next few years," said McAlister, who kicked off the season in style as Silverdale - co-coached by his father - won their first club title.

"It's been pretty full on for me so far, and it was the one chance to get a break, to get rid of some niggles. The break was awesome, and it was great catching up with people I'd grown up with.

"It was a chance to go to the beach, and eat some pies. I couldn't do much else while my arm was in a sling."

This year's NPC, in World Cup year, may miss a host of experienced players but it will provide footholds for young careers, and the expectations are high for McAlister.

He showed many glimpses of his running and ball playing ability at pivot last season, but was shifted to centre after Australian Tim Walsh's arrival.

McAlister will start at first five-eighths although new Harbour backs coach, Andrew Strawbridge, won't pigeon hole his young backs into positions yet. While wanting to help McAlister establish his career at five-eighth Strawbridge said he must also consider team demands.

With Rico Gear sidelined for about six weeks because of a collarbone injury, even more responsibility will rest on McAlister.

There is plenty of experience in the Harbour forwards, who include five test players and others with decent Super 12 experience. The backs are a different story though - only Gear being of Super 12 grade yet.

Strawbridge, a former Waikato fullback, says: "The New Zealand rugby public is very demanding and I think to my playing days when many players only developed at 26 or 27.

"It's more of a pressure cooker now and Luke isn't under any more pressure than other young players. Look at Joe Rokocoko playing tests at 20 ... being able to perform at that age is a fact of life these days."