Jerry’s in Japan, but family Pride on the line tonight
THEIR brother Jerry did it more than a hundred times, but today two of Collins’ sisters – and his cousin – will have the spotlight on them as they wear Wellington rugby jerseys on to Westpac Stadium for the first time.
Brenda Collins, 29, is a tenacious outside back, Helen Collins, 28, is a solid lock and cousin MaryAnn Collins, 21, is a second fiveeighth with a smile as wide as the gaps she can scoot through.
The three of them are in their second season of playing together for the Wellington Pride.
With All Blacks hitman Jerry now plying his trade in Japan they do not hear from him much, but they think he would be proud of them today.
They take on Auckland in the curtain-raiser to the LionsHarbour ITM cup game and Helen is nervous of the occasion.
‘‘Oh man, I hope no-one is watching us. This is the first time we’ve even done an interview.’’
Father of the family Frank Collins did not let them play rugby as kids but with that blood running through them the inevitable happened.
Brenda took up rugby nine years ago with Helen when they studied together in Palmerston North.
According to Brenda, watching the way her father had pushed Jerry to be the best was part of the reason they had got so far.
‘‘We had to go to rugby games as kids and we didn’t always watch them. It was watching him going through his paces, nothing was ever not competitive.
‘‘It taught us – you know – don’t go mucking around at training.’’
Nowadays their father has no problem with them playing, but he can be a bit gruff.
‘‘He’s come to a few of the games this year but he just says things like ‘make a tackle’ and ‘don’t be scared’,’’ Brenda said.
‘‘Mum is much more supportive.’’
Mary-Ann
plays
for
Wainuio- mata and Brenda and Helen are Northern United through and through.
Despite being their cousin, Mary-Ann only met and became mates with the sisters through rugby.
She and Brenda play together in the Kiwi Ferns league team.
The family is constantly playing sport.
‘‘There’s always a rugby ball around somewhere, whether it’s for rugby, sevens, touch, ripper or league,’’ she said.