New Hurricane Sam McNicol happy in the capital

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Above: Sam McNicol playing for Petone last weekend against Paremata-Plimmerton.

The signature of Sam McNicol was highly sought after when he left Napier Boys' High School in 2013.

The New Zealand Secondary Schools' fullback was offered contracts in the Hawke's Bay, Waikato, Otago and Wellington.

McNicol signed for Wellington. At present Matt Procter and McNicol are the only two fit contracted fullbacks for the Lions.

"I liked the city and was made to feel real welcome by the rugby people here. Evan Crawford, Darren Larsen, Dion Ross and Peter Green were outstanding. University is great. Petone is great. I am really happy," McNicol says.

McNicol was born in Feilding. He relocated to Napier when he was six years old. His father Alan is a former manger of Bunnings Warehouse. Mum, Julia works for rivals Mitre Ten. He has two brothers, Lukis who is a farmer and Karl a panel beater. His only sister Alice studies psychology. McNicol studies health science.

"I guess we're pretty practical people. We all enjoy sport and the outdoors," McNicol says.

McNicol made his first big impression in rugby at the 2008 Ross Shield. The premier intermediate tournament in the Hawke's Bay was won by his Napier side. McNicol recalls the satisfaction.

"It was great to win that. I am still mates with many of the guys in that team, especially Logan Ede who is now in Auckland and Michael Buckley who’s playing for MSP."

Ede and Buckley played First XV rugby at Napier Boys' with McNicol. The latter made his debut in 2012. Napier returned to the National Top Four by winning 18 out of 22 games. McNicol recalls the Polson Banner against Palmerston North Boys' High School.

"It's a big traditional and more intense than any other school game I played in. It was supposed to be on the Rugby Channel, but volcanic activity at Mount Raupehu prevented the Rugby Channel from showing the game. It was a shame because we won 37-23 and played really well."

In 2013, Napier won 12 out of 16 games and completed a third consecutive top three finish in the Super 8. Thrashing local rivals Hastings Boys' High School was a highlight.

"We beat them 60-10, Buckley got two tries that day. It was the most complete performance I was involved in at school."

Losing to Fiji for the New Zealand Schools' was unacceptable, but the rebound 17-16 victory over Australia was exceptional. McNicol recalls the trials and tribulations of his first overseas tour with a national team.

"We took a lot of stick after losing to Fiji, a lot of which was unfair. Fiji were much better than what they were given credit for. Fortunately the boys were tight and we proved ourselves against Australia."

McNicol has proved himself in Wellington. Despite missing seven months last year with double hip surgery he earned his blazer for Petone on Saturday by playing his 20th Premier game.
Petone has been an inconsistent performer in recent seasons, but McNicol has learnt a lot by playing three different positions: fullback, centre and wing.

He says fullback is his natural position as he enjoys counter-attacking in space and boasts a long kicking game. However centre has improved his defence and passing as has personal coaching from former British Lion and Petone assistant coach Riki Flutey.

"Club rugby has been a great challenge. It's very physical and competitive in Wellington. Riki has been great to me. He helps me practice my goal kicking and provides a lot of tips."

Those tips and injury to Jason Woodard has earned a call up to the Hurricanes. Is McNicol ready?

"I think so. I have had a few games for the development. I have worked hard and I love a good challenge."