News

Counties Manukau Steelers representative and Moana Pasifika star Alamanda Motuga will be a welcome addition to the Papakura side when they face Manurewa on Saturday.

Motuga joins the exciting young Papakura outfit and could well be the key acquisition that fully unlocks the immense potential the side possesses.

He will play his first game for the club against their neighbours at Mountfort Park – a key match if they are to challenge for the McNamara Cup semi-finals this season.

Papakura sit nine points out of a playoff berth at present but face a Manurewa side just in front of them on the table, while fourth-placed Bombay face an in-form Karaka side.

“Securing a player of Alamanda’s quality is a huge addition to our young squad,” said Papakura coach Jarrod Firth.

“His success at Moana Pasifika shows the pathway from playing rugby in South Auckland to becoming a Super Rugby player is possible for all Pasifika players in our community.

‘Alamanda’s leadership as Super Rugby player will be huge in mentoring a young, eager group that we have at Papakura.

“Many of our players have the same ambition he had to want to get to where he is.

“We can’t wait for Alamanda to be part of our group.”