The rise of Mahurangi’s Cooper Rodden

Practice makes perfect – first five Rodden loves stepping up to take pressure kicks. Whenever Mahurangi Rugby Football Club’s (RFC) first five Cooper Rodden has needed to step up, he’s always embraced the challenge – and not just when it comes to slotting a conversion to win the game. As captain of the sevens last year, Rodden led the team to the final where they beat Northcote RFC, having been knocked out by them in the semis in 2023. He also took over the captaincy of the 15s for a few games last season when regular captains Ben Dallow and Sireli Kaloucava were unavailable. But it’s his come...