Rookie rugby winger top tryscorer
Taradale Rugby and Sports premier rugby winger Majella Tufuga is the first to admit he has a lot to learn in his new role.
But the fact he is the top tryscorer in Hawke's Bay's Maddison Trophy competition with 10 suggests he is a fast learner.
"Throughout my whole rugby life I considered flanker to be my best position. Now I'm on the wing I don't want to change it," Tufuga said in the countdown to his team's 1.30pm semifinal against defending champions WIT Napier Old Boys Marist at McLean Park on Saturday.
A product of former Magpies and Samoa hooker Mo Schwalger's Rugby Academy in Samoa, Tufuga, took up rugby as a 14-year-old at St Joseph's College in Samoa. He attended Lindisfarne College in 2016 and 2017 and was in the 1st XV both years.
Now 22 and a Hawk Packaging worker Tufuga is aiming for a Magpies contract in the future. He is looking forward to returning to McLean Park on Saturday, the venue where he scored a try and was outstanding in the Taradale colts final win against Hastings Rugby and Sports last year.
"It going to be a hard game but I'm confident the boys can do it this weekend. This is the best team I have been in during my whole career."
Tufuga missed the Taradale side's 23-12 win against NOBM a fortnight ago and is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to mark former Magpie Michael Buckley on Saturday.
"Michael is one of the biggest names in our club competition," Tufuga said.
Taradale will miss the services of Magpies prop Namatahi Waa who had his appendix removed yesterday.
The 3.30pm semifinal at McLean Park will see top qualifiers Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports take on fourth qualifiers Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical.
Hurricanes midfielder Danny Toala will start at centre for Hastings. Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava will be used as an impact player.
"We know we are the underdogs but we have nothing to lose," Tech manager Cyril Whitburn said.
His team will welcome the return of inspirational captain and lock Elijah Martin back from a shoulder injury.
Teams for the semifinals:
Napier Old Boys Marist: Bain Champion, Josh McIntyre, Mark Collier, Pedro Bezanilla, Michael Buckley, Johnny Lauano, Ellery Wilson, Matt Gardner, Chris Johnston (captain), Will Tremain, Alex Williams, Ricky Hayes, Patrick Teddy, Dom Devine, Lee Moleli. Substitutes: Forwards, Johnny Siitia, James Holbrook, Sean Skeet, Pouvi Fatialofa. Backs, Zac Donaldson, Migao Lauano, Liam Edwards/Sami Lauano.
Taradale Rugby and Sports: Cam Robinson, Hemaua Samasoni, Ollie Sapsford, Nathan Ramsay, Majella Tufuga, Caleb Makene, Caleb Makene, Humphrey Sheild, Tom Williams, Iakopo Mapu, Josh Eden-Whaitiri, Angelo Mufana, Andrew Gardner (captain), Joe Apikotoa, Josh Combs, Lolani Faleiva. Substitutes: Forwards, Joe Simeon, Ian Rore, Jayden Walker, Toby Single. Backs, Karl Hewitt, Dylan Ramsay, Brad Truesdale.
Hastings Rugby and Sports: Jayden Rihia, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Antonio Mikaele-Tu'u, Mason Emerson, Jordan Thompson-Dunn, Connor McLeod, Eugene Sandilands, Fale Matamata, Jardine Chung Ching, Jesse Lesa-Sipaia, Emil Crichton, Dennis Tapusoa, Jacob Devery, Jason Long. Substitutes: Forwards, Miracle Lolofie, Angus McGuire, Jono Makris, Danya Tulou. Backs, Folau Fakatava, Ausage Fomai, Ioane Ioane.
Napier Technical: Kurt Baker, Misi Lealaisalanoa, Zac Guildford, Ted Walters, Scott Mogford, Marty Watson, Sheridan Rangihuna, Hannon Brighouse, Conan Houkamau, Isaiah Martin, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Elijah Martin, Mark Braidwood, Tere Joel, Tim Farrell. Substitutes: James Hughes-Lock, Perrin Manuel, Jazz Reti, Jock McPherson, Tauese Fatialofa, Dolan Wilkins, Jordan Faia.
