PLAYER TO WATCH

CODY HEMI [WANGANUI COLLEGIATE]

Running 11.6s for the 100m is usually the domain of a winger but the New Zealand Maori Under 18 rep is suiting up at first-five this season for Wanganui Collegiate.

Injury curtailed his rep season last year but the talent is there to get to the next level and beyond. At fullback and centre last time around, Hemi has been compared with Stephen Perofeta in terms of his skill set and to be thrust into first-five is recognition of his all-round ability.

With a handy passing and defensive game, Hemi has to get his head around strategy but he can kick the goals and his wide ranging talents have earned him a place on the Wanganui Sevens team.

BIG CHARGE Tupou Vaa’i in action for the New Zealand Barbarians against Fiji.

FENDING George Dyer gets his hand ready playing for St Paul’s.

CODY HEMI