PLAYER TO WATCH
QUINN TUPAEA [HAMILTON BOYS’ HS]
Lining up at either 12 or 13, the stocky midfielder is roundly predicted for big things in 2017. Immensely physical with a frame that had been considered for the back of the scrum, Tupaea also comes complete with an ever improving distribution skill set.
Extremely agile and with the muscle to be confrontational, Tupaea in the words of coach Hotham “has lots of strings to his bow”. Using his gifts is one thing but the 2016 NZ Barbarians rep has the work ethic to go to the next level and even as a Year 12 displayed a professional attitude.
A concussion unfortunately cut short his representative season last time around so expect the motivation to be high, especially when Hastings comes around.