Another Paewai joins villagers centurions list
Havelock North premier rugby team's midfield back Kalin Paewai hopes his 100th match doesn't become a distraction for the team.
"All the boys are making a fuss of me because it's my 100th. I keep telling them the need to win to keep our season alive and avoid the risk of relegation is more important," Paewai said in the countdown to Saturday's Nash Cup fourth round fixture against Central Rugby and Sports at Anderson Park.
At the same time Paewai, 26, who made his premier debut on March 24, 2014 against Tamatea, is stoked to join his father, former Maori All Black and Magpie Murdoch Paewai, on the villagers centurions list.
"It's good to add to the number of Paewai family members on the list. The plan is to pass the old man eventually," Paewai (pictured above) said.
His father played 146 games for Havelock North. His uncle, former Maori All Black and Magpie, Nathan Paewai, played 170 games for Havelock North.
Relations Isaac Paewai and Adam Bradey played 161 and 160 respectively while another relative, Jason Skipper, holds the club record with 253.
Both Havelock North and Central have yet to win a game this season and both camps know a loss on Saturday will see that team miss out on the more prestigious Maddison Trophy round.
"We've been getting better with each game and with the likes of Ryan Tongia and Tony Lamborn back from injury this week we can take plenty of confidence into the game," Paewai said.
A former Hawke's Bay Sevens, Hawke's Bay Saracens, Hawke's Bay under-19 and under-18 representative, Paewai, is rapt his twin brother and fellow midfield back, Jessie Paewai, has returned from concussion in time for this weekend's match too.
A Maddison Trophy winner in 2014 and the villagers 2017 premier player-of-the-year, Paewai, hasn't given up on his dream of playing for the Magpies.
"Every club player has that as a goal. But the reality is there is so much talent around. I'm lucky I have plenty of work to keep me busy," said the builder for Dundeal Building Ltd.
"This is a special moment for Kalin. He has always sacrificed himself for the village and gives nothing but 100 per cent to the the jersey and club," club president Conrad Waitoa said.
The other pool two match will see Napier Technical start as slight favourites against Tamatea Rugby and Sports at Whitmore Park. Pool one games will see Napier Old Boys Marist hosts Napier Pirate Rugby in a Challenge Shield encounter at Park Island and Clive Rugby and Sports host MAC at Farndon Park.
Recent form suggests NOBM and Clive should record comfortable wins.
There will be plenty of interest in the crossover clash between unbeaten teams, defending champions Taradale Rugby and Sports and Maddison Trophy holders Hastings Rugby and Sports, at Tareha Recreation Reserve. There's a good chance both teams will meet in the May 8 Nash Cup final and both will be eager to get the psychological edge for that encounter.
