Elevate+ Player Spotlight: Polonga Pedro

Above: Polonga Pedro with the Swindale Shield in June last year

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Hutt Old Boys Marist's Polonga Pedro joins a select group of club rugby players on Saturday when he runs out on to the Polo Ground against Oriental-Rongotai to play his 200^th Premier match.

Pedro, who made his debut for HOBM in 2001, has also played numerous games for Wellington representative sides highlighted by selection in the Wellington Lions in 2009, playing ITM Cup matches against Manawatu and Northland.

On Saturday Pedro will become the third HOBM player after Doug Power (over 200 games for Hutt Old Boys and HOBM combined) and Martin Wallis (over 200 for HOBM) to be inducted as an "Eagles Legend" in a presentation at the Hutt Recreation Ground clubrooms from 6.00 pm.

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We caught up with Polonga Pedro ahead of his milestone weekend:

Congratulations on the milestone of 200 games for the Eagles. How special is this milestone for you and how will you celebrate it?

It's very special as there is only one other person that has achieved this in our club [Martin Wallis]. I'll be celebrating with a few quiets with my team, my family and close friends.

When you started did you ever think you'd make it this far?

I always thought I would be happy to make it as far as a blazer (40 Premier games) but then as the years went by, 100 and 150 seemed within my reach.

You're known as ‘Peachy' Pedro. Can you please enlighten us as to how and why that nickname came about?

About 12 years ago, one of the guys used to call me Pedg, short for Pedro. Someone else thought he was calling me Peach so he started calling me Peaches thinking it wouldn't stick but it did!

Is Hutt Old Boys Marist the only club you've been involved with? Who did you play for as a junior?

In New Zealand, yes this is the only club I have played for. I played for Hutt as a junior too. During a few off seasons I played for other clubs in Ireland and Hong Kong.

When did you start playing rugby, did you play at college, and when did you make your Premier debut for HOBM?

I played as a junior for Hutt Valley Marist, then I played in college for St. Bernard's. When I left school I went and played for Hutt Old Boys Marist where I made the Premier squad but I didn't get on the field until the fourth game into the season.

Can you remember you first game for HOBM? Your first run with the ball? Your first try?

I did play Sevens for HOBM before the season started and I scored a try at the New Zealand Marist tournament. My first game for a 15-a-side team was the fourth game into my first season with HOBM. I can't remember who we played but I remember enjoying the minutes I was on for.

What are some of the personal highlights of your club playing career?

Earning a blazer and playing 100 and 150 games - let alone 200 games - has been a massive milestone for me. Making representative teams has also been good reward. Last year when my son was born at 1.30 am on a Saturday, I played a game that day with only a few hours sleep. Needless to say I was yellow-carded for an incident - most likely out of lack of sleep that did not help situation.

What are some of the highlights of your club playing career from a team perspective?

There are quite a few moments that stand out. A few years ago, the Premier team was dropped to Senior 1 playing level. It was a big moment for us to have played well enough to be promoted back into Premier level. Winning the Jubilee Cup in 2007 was a huge highlight and winning the Swindale Shield last year. This year our team became the first team to win the [New Zealand Marist] Spillane Cup four years straight.

You've played variously in both locking positions and as a blindside flanker and a No. 8 - do you have a favourite position?

I prefer to play blindside but will also make the transition into lock if helps bringing on quicker, younger loosies.

Was playing for the Wellington Lions in 2009 a career highlight?

Most definitely a highlight, but it also helped me know what level I need to be if I ever wanted to try make it back in again.

What's your favourite ground to play on? It would have to be the Hutt Rec No. 1 wouldn't it?

Definitely the Hutt Rec! The Petone Rec is good enough too, especially as we have a good winning record there.

Who are your toughest or most respected Wellington club rugby opposition?

I think Norths are a formidable side and they went unbeaten at home for two years. There are plenty of respected players that I have played against.

Any individuals or teammates at HOBM that you most admire?

I think Jason and Nick Risdon, Steve Bradshaw and young guys like Parataiso Silafai-Lea'ana and Simon Malaeulu are all ones to take note from. Elia Tau Fonoti is also standing out for me. All the young guys that wouldn't hesitate to push me aside for my position, are keeping me on my toes. Coaches and management are always the unsung heroes.

Are there people to thank for helping you along in your career?

Adam Campbell was always upfront with my playing style and what I needed to work on and Tim Lea'atau-Gibson for making me come down to pre-season training 13 years ago.

Do you have any comments on where the Wellington club competition is at? What changes have you seen in your time playing?

I think the smaller clubs are getting stronger every season and evening out the playing field, but I am also seeing the rise of young players make it into Premier rugby with ease. The game has changed a lot with the new rules and forwards are not just expected to be crash and bash players. The attitude and skill level of players is definitely improving.

Are you good for another 50 or 100 games do you think?

For now, I'll just take the season as it comes. As my wife likes to remind me, I am getting 'old' but I think I will come into the season this year in the best shape/form that I have been in a long time. Who knows what next year will bring.

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