Isaac Misky: Have boots will travel
Well travelled Canterbury Bulls hooker Isaac Misky is taking the long way home to Porirua Park.
Born and bred in Porirua, Misky, will be back home when he comes off the bench for the unbeaten Canterbury Bulls against the Wellington Orcas on Saturday.
A former Wellington age-group representative, Misky lives in Dunedin but is relishing the chance to pull on the Canterbury jersey since being called into the Bulls squad two weeks ago.
He impressived with two tries on debut when he came off the bench at hooker in Canterbury’s 68-14 win over the Central Vipers at AMI Stadium last Saturday.
The former halfback turned hooker, cannot wait to get back to his roots in a must win game for the Bulls if they are to defend their national premiership crown.
‘‘I haven’t played in front of my family for years so I’m really looking forward to it,’’ Misky said.
‘‘The grounds only five minutes from home so hopefully they will all be there.’’
A physical education student at the University of Otago, Misky, 21, moved to Dunedin and back into league after a short stint of rugby at St Patrick’s College.
All South Island based players are eligible for Bulls selection. Misky spent all week in Christchurch before the Vipers clash to familiarise himself with the Bulls environment which meant he had to stream his lectures online.
‘‘I had assignments at uni (university) but the lecturers where kind enough to give me a bit of extra time.’’
Misky has put pressure on himself to deliver a standout performance on his old stomping ground after flying up for training on Thursday night. He admits it will be strange being in the away dressing room at Porirua Park.
He had designs on making the Bulls squad at the start of the season but missed the initial 24-man squad. It came as a blow but he focussed on doing his best for the Otago Whalers in the South Island Inter District competition and retaining his New Zealand Universities jersey.
‘‘I wasn’t too disappointed because I had other things to look forward to but it was awesome to get the call up,’’ he said.
Canterbury Bulls coach Darrell Coad has tweaked the backline from last week’s win over the Central Vipers with wingers Danny Latu and Sua Ailloilo returning from injury and Penitito Ilalio, who was called into the squad last week, getting an opportunity at centre. Vice captain Aga Fiso will stay home to allow more time to get over a head knock suffered against the Akarana Falcons which gives Jordan Kane a chance to move into lock.