Tom Robinson, All Black prospect
First week into the Australianbased NRL league competition, the Auckland Warriors look like real champions, smashing the Canterbury Bulldogs. Week 2, “duds”, embarrassingly outplayed by the West Tigers 34-6.
It was a horrible performance by a side who looked so classy in their first match. Sure, it was wet and the handling mistakes were forgivable, but the whole side lacked enthusiasm and that killer instinct. In fact, during the second half, they gave up. It’s a disappointing result for coach Stephen Kearney and assistant Stacey Jones. During the summer fitness programme, they looked fit, but when it came to pressure play, where the Tigers were brilliant, the Warriors fell apart. On Saturday in Christchurch, which will be an emotional match, it’s Manly. It’s a must win. If the Warriors fail again, they can forget about their fans.
Big congratulations to the organisers of the Snapper Bonanza fishing contest, John Stewart and Dave Collard. It was a cracker of a week where 1000 fishermen converged on to the 90 Mile Beach. There were some good snapper caught. The whole event had Kaitaia buzzing with plenty of money being spent here. The first two days were when most of the fish were caught. Word was, with so many fishermen in the water, they scared the fish away. The notorious Far North three, Fred Petricevich, Mate Covich and Dean Radojkovich managed to get out on to a sandbank at low tide which fished into deeper water. The result? A bin full of kahawai. Greg Shine, over from Sydney and keen as ever, hooked in to the parore. It was great to see Far North
"Very aggressive and easily noticed by his long red hair, Robinson has speed and exceptional ball skills. "
born Dave Rameka take out the $30,000 with a 7.90kg snapper. A great family name here, it was Dave’s first time on the stage and he has been doing this event for the past 30 years plus.
Kerikeri’s Tom Robinson is the big find in the Blues’ forward pack. A replacement for Jerome Kaino on the blindside flank, his rigorous performances could see him knocking on the door for an All Black berth. Very aggressive and easily noticed by his long red hair, Robinson has speed and exceptional ball skills. At 1.95m, a good lineout jumper, the guy has so much confidence. He loves mixing it in with the heavy stuff and as he said, “I always believe in myself. If you don’t, no one else will!” What a guy. And that’s how Mat sees it..