News

Tight forward catches the eye
Which tight forward in the Manurewa v Patumahoe Premier 1 game caught the eye of the Counties Manukau Steelers brass?
Coach Tai Lavea and chief executive Aaron Lawton were both in attendance at Mountfort Park last weekend and were impressed by the player’s performance.
With Steelers contracts still available and Lavea wanting to pick from club football, this was a good time to have a big game.

Party bus to the Chiefs
The hard-working Counties Manukau staff enjoyed a party bus ride to Hamilton last weekend to watch the Chiefs play.
It was an opportunity for staff to relax for a night after a busy period working through the Covid-19 situation and having to take a pay cut as well.
Reports suggest most staff behaved themselves although one staff member smashed half a box of Speights on the bus trip down.

Japanese boost for Waiuku
Waiuku is set to get a helping hand from a more than handy Japanese import in the coming weeks.
Having started the season with an impressive win over defending champions Bombay, Waiuku went down to Karaka in week 2.
The incoming player will bolster an already impressive forward pack from all accounts.

Mario brings up 200 game milestone
Te Kauwhata stalwart Mario Vodanovich will play his 200^th game for the club on Saturday when they meet arch rivals Maramarua at Te Kauwhata Memorial Domain.
The club president has been a great servant to the club on and off the field for a long time and joins an exclusive list to have achieved the milestone.
The match will have extra spice with Maramarua beating the home side in a thrilling Premier 3 final last season.

Lacey goes missing
Patumahoe Reserves player Steven Lacey missed the game against Manurewa last Saturday and whispers are it was because he was too hung over to play.
My sources (someone who is mates with Lacey and works at the Union) claims he was in a massive hurt box all of Saturday but let’s keep this to ourselves and not tell the coaching staff.
Steelers secure first-five
Word is the Steelers have agreed to a deal with an experienced first-five that will be a welcome addition to their Mitre 10 Cup roster this season.
A terrific goal-kicker and solid organiser, he will be a great fit for Tai Lavea’s side. I‘m hearing he will definitely feature in club colours throughout the club season.
An official announcement is due in the coming days.

Rivalry round
It was due to the luck of the draw but this weekend sees some of the best rivalries in club footy take place. Patumahoe hosts Pukekohe in a clash that always attracts a good crowd between the two neighbours. Likewise Ardmore Marist and Manurewa will do battle at Bruce Pulman Park in what shapes as a massive game between two of the standout sides. Maramarua travels to neighbouring Te Kauwhata in Premier 3 action in a replay of the Sid Marshall Shield final last season. Puni hosts near neighbours Patumahoe in Premier 3 action while the Te Kauwhata v Onewhero game in U85 action should be a cracker too.

A new feature to club rugby coverage this season will be the Round the Grounds news story published each Thursday. We will give you the latest from the rumour mill as well as breaking stories and things that may be missed by traditional news outlets.
The column is supported by Counties Manukau Rugby but the individual stories are not official communication from the union and remain the responsibility of the author.
If you have a story to contribute or a hot tip – send a brief email to the editor via dalebudge@hotmail.com.