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Te Kauwhata’s Whiti Kingi will run out for his 150^th top grade game when his side faces defending champions Puni on Saturday.

Kingi, the Te Kauwhata captain, has been a terrific servant to the club and led the team to the Sid Marshall Shield championship in 2021.

He has also played for Counties Maori and represented Niue at Sevens.

“This is an awesome achievement for me,” Kingi said. “Its all about giving back to the community/club and the Counties Union.

“What better way than notching up 150 games trying to show our juniors and community. Hopefully I will inspire them to try to follow suit.

“I’ve been really lucky to be playing so many games for the club. Big thanks has to go to my partners/kids and support crew for always letting me run away on Tuesdays/Thursdays and Saturdays to play the game we love.”

Patumahoe’s Alex Eruera brings up 100 Premier games for the club on Saturday when they host old foes Pukekohe at Patumahoe Domain.

The talented outside back has often been a Mr fix-it for Brad Healy’s side, playing in the midfield or on the wing.

The Patumahoe junior made his debut back in 2015 and could well have played a lot more games had it not been for injuries.

“Alex is the quiet achiever – keeps a low profile but is hugely respected in our playing group,” coach Brad Healy told Counties Sports Hub.

“He leads by his actions on the field.

“He has come up through the grades and is a massive part of the Premier family.

“I’m sure Derryn, Harrison and his family and friends will be out in force to support him on Saturday.

Papakura stalwart Brockson Brown will also celebrate 100 Premier games for his beloved club when they face Ardmore Marist at Massey Park on Saturday.

Brown has been a tremendous servant for Papakura, particularly through some lean years at senior level.

Tough as teak, with a big motor and able to play multiple positions, Brown has been a fixture in the side since making his debut in 2017 fresh out of school.

He is part of the Brown family that has made a huge contribution to the Papakura club over the years – father Willie is a club legend and life member while sister Stacey captains the women’s side and is a long-time Counties Manukau Heat representative.

“He is one of the ultimate club players in terms of loyalty,” said club president Rod Honan. “If you could clone him 100 times your club would be in perfect shape.

“I congratulate Brockson on a terrific career to this point and look forward to seeing much more from him in the years ahead.”

It caps a special day for the club with one of their leading female players also being recognised for playing 100 games.

Crystal Wellington (nee Mahara) will also celebrate her century, which she brought up a few weeks ago. Her blazer will be presented by husband Nui Wellington, who played 150 games for the club.