News

Two of Counties favourite sons, Tim Nanai-Williams and Baden Kerr are returning this season for the Counties Manukau Steelers.

Steelers’ Head Coach Darryl Suasua: “We are rapt to have Tim and Baden back. They are both class on and off the field. Their experience, leadership and enthusiasm are greatly valued. They are two highly passionate and proud Counties players, who are super keen to give back to their clubs and region, which is fantastic.”

Nanai-Williams, who has some of the most dynamic footwork in the country, is a former Manurewa High School student and a Samoan international representative in both the long and short form of the game.

A current Chiefs player from the Manurewa Rugby Club, Nanai-Williams has pulled on the Steelers jersey 56 times and is looking forward to increasing that number having spent the last few seasons playing in Japan for the Ricoh Rams.

The 27-year-old utility back player said, “Counties is home for me, so I am rapt to be back with my family in New Zealand and playing rugby. Playing for Counties has always been special for me and that never diminishes. I am looking forward to reuniting with my Counties family and playing some good footy for our fans.”

Baden Kerr who hails from the Karaka Rugby Club has recently returned to re-join the Steelers from a stint in Europe where he played for the Bedford Blues and Saracens. Kerr said, “I couldn’t be more excited to be home playing for the team that means so much to me. My best and fondest memories have been playing for Counties and I can’t wait to represent my home province again.”

The 27-year-old former Rosehill College student and Blues player has notched up 29 games for the Steelers as first five-eighth and will replace Piers Francis who has been called into the English system.

New Counties Manukau CEO Bart Hoggard said “The re-signing of Tim and Baden is fantastic news for Counties fans because retaining high calibre local players like these two is essential to the continued success of the Steelers.  

“I am new to the union but am very aware of the wonderful contributions that both Tim and Baden have made to Counties rugby in previous years and I am excited about watching them play this season.  These signings are also an endorsement of the culture and the environment that has been established by the Steelers’ coaches and leadership team which allows Counties to attract and retain quality rugby players.”

The Steelers will be proudly wearing PIC Insurance Brokers across their chest when their season kicks off when they face neighbours Auckland on Saturday August 19.

Once again, kids 13 and under will be FREE on the South Auckland Motors embankment thanks to Pak n Save Pukekohe. Adult season tickets start from $50 for the South Auckland Motors embankment, and $50 for children and $100 for adults in the grandstand. 

Season memberships are available from www.steelers.co.nz or the union office.