Eight questions with the captain: Jason Risdon Hutt Old Boys Marist

Above: HOBM captain Jason Risdon (left) celebrates a try to blindside flanker James Wall in last month's McBain Shield win over Petone, beating Petone's Thomas Tupuivao (foreground) and Petone flanker Mateaki Kafatolu to the punch.

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Eight teams, eight captains, eight rounds before the finalists are found.

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Club: Hutt Old Boys Marist

Home ground: Hutt Recreation Ground

Current Super Rugby players: Jeremy Thrush (Hurricanes); Hosea Gear (Highlanders)

Jubilee Cups won: 1931, 1934,? 1991, 2007

Last year: Swindale Shield champions; fifth in the Jubilee Cup

Swindale Shield this year: Third

Captain: Jason Risdon

Position: Openside flanker

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1. What is special about playing in the Jubilee Cup?

Jubilee Cup rugby is a step up from playing in the Swindale Shield. There are no easy games and it's intense rugby week in, week out. Any team is capable of beating anyone on the day.

2. Which club do you feel your team has the biggest rivalry with and why??

That would have to be Petone. They are our neighbours so that is obviously a big factor, and there is so much history between us. It is always a game players and supporters get up for.

3. If you could choose one forward and one back, either current or past, to join your team for its Jubilee Cup campaign which two players would you select?

In the forwards, I'd go with Jeremy Thrush. We have very good locks already but you can always use an All Black in your pack! For the backs - Greg Hooper, one of our long time managers. He has been telling us what a great player he was for the last few years, so would be good to see if he can back up his talk.

4. Who are the fittest, the strongest and the fastest players in your team?

I think wing James Kusel would probably top all three categories!

5. Who are the jokers in the team?

Our Veteran lock Polonga Pedro is a bit of a joker and likes to tell a story or two. Young giant Dylan Hayes is also never short of a few words, ironically earning him the nickname ‘whispers'.

6. Describe any superstitions or pre-game rituals that players in your team have??

Midfielders Ope Peleseuma and Taiso Silafai-Leaanaa like to do each others' hair before each game.

7. Describe any special talents or claims to fame outside of rugby of any players in your team?

Alexis Time fancies himself as a singer/dancer/MC/ Entertainer. If there's a mic in the building he'll find a way to get on it! Few people know but he auditioned for the X Factor, but after making it though the audition's he had to pull out due to the birth of his third child.

8. How important are your club's supporters in lifting your team and who is your number one fan?

Our supporters are hugely important to our team. HOBM has a strong following of loyal supporters who come to our games every weekend no matter where we are playing. Old timers, families and friends unite on the sidelines to encourage us and cheer us on. They are never short of advice and honesty (sometimes too honest) after a game. The presence of our supporters is definitely felt by our team and knowing they will be there - good or bad - makes all the difference.? It would be unfair on single any one person or group out as they all contribute to our club and team tremendously.

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