Why Naholo is staying
WAISAKE Naholo owes it all to rangy lock Tom Franklin — apparently.
Franklin normally has his head stuck in the rucks when the speedy winger is flying towards the line. But that does not stop the experienced forward trying to claim a little of the limelight.
Naholo’s first try for the Highlanders came about thanks to a pass from Franklin and the forward has never let him forget it.
‘‘Tom Franklin, he always comes up to me and says, ‘You know we set you up for all your tries’ or ‘You’re not giving us enough credit’ and stuff like that,’’ Naholo said.
‘‘The first try I scored here came from his pass.’’
Naholo has gone on to score quite a few more since arriving at the franchise in 2015 as one of the last players picked.
The 27yearold quietly eclipsed Jeff Wilson’s record as the leading tryscorer for the franchise when he scored a crucial try against the Brumbies last month.
In all, he has 36 tries and counting.
He has become somewhat of the cult hero in Otago and inked a deal this week to stay put for another year.
But despite what you might think, the All Black was not fending off bigmoney offers from overseas when he was making his decision.
‘‘No. I was not told [of any],’’ Naholo responded when asked.
Hard to believe given how deadly he can be. But even if Naholo was presented with a tempting offer, it would have been difficult for him to move away. Dunedin has become home for the Fijian.
‘‘I’ve loved playing here. The Highlanders team environment is pretty cool and I’ve just loved living in Dunedin and staying down here.’’
The lure of the All Blacks and his desire to play in next year’s World Cup in Japan is another key reason not to put the feelers out and test the market.
‘‘I’d like to go to another World Cup and hopefully that works out next year.’’
While New Zealand rugby is blessed with some talented out side backs, Naholo’s ability to play on either wing gives him an advantage over some of his opponents.
He will be happy on either wing while in an All Blacks’ jersey.
There is a plenty of hype around Hurricanes winger Ben Lam but Naholo felt his Highlanders teammate Tevita Li was playing good rugby as well.
Naholo’s immediate focus will be on helping lift the energy in the Highlanders camp before their match against the Lions at Forsyth Barr Stadium this Saturday.
The Dunedinbased team was outplayed by the Sharks in the republic and the side will not be wanting to fall to the Lions.