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While some grassroots rugby teams are struggling to field a starting XV as a variety of lower-contact sports become more popular, Otamatea Hawks are bucking the trend, with one member reaching a significant milestone.
Last month, club stalwart Michael ‘Skinzy’ Robinson was honoured during an emotional blazer ceremony at the Maungatūroto Country Club when he became just the second person in the club’s history to reach the 300-game mark.
The 40-year-old has a long history with rugby. He started playing for Maungatūroto Rugby Club at age four, staying at the club for more than a decade before trading his rugby boots for golf clubs. He returned to the sport in 2003, playing for the Hawks’ premier team, where he has been ever since.
“When I came into the team, there were guys I grew up watching, and their influence on me kept me around,” Robinson says. “It’s really surreal to think I have played that many games for the club.”
Asked what keeps him at the club, Robinson credits the passion of coach Mike Peeni.
“Mike puts a lot of work into keeping the club going, so that’s one of the biggest reasons I think the club has so many long-lasting players. I am always willing to play because I never want to see the club struggling.”
Peeni says the milestone is a huge achievement for the club.
“You don’t get many players reaching 300 games; it’s almost impossible to achieve,” he says. “Being at one club for that long is very rare these days.”
Peeni started playing around the same time as Robinson and says the halfback has become better with age.
“Mike is still playing amazingly. His nickname was the Maungi speed bump because he doesn’t shy away from the physicality. So, for someone who is not a big guy, still being out there at 40 is amazing.”
Otamatea Hawks have been at the heart of grassroots rugby in the Kaipara for generations, and it is the history of the club that Peeni says makes it so special.
“What makes this club special is the legacy that has been built before us. I coach here because of my dad and role models in the community that I looked up to. So, for me, it’s just about taking that mantle and continuing to make sure we’ve got something in the community for people to do,” he says.
During the blazer presentation, three other players – Jojo Perrett, Arapeta Waata and Dean Stewart – were also recognised for their dedication to the Hawks when they were presented with their 100-game blazers, something that Peeni says is unique in modern club rugby.
“We are up to about 16 players who have reached the 100-game blazer in our club, and half of them are still playing, so as a club we are in a good place.”
Not only is the achievement a testament to the strength of the club and the community that gets behind it, but with the rise in popularity of sports like football and basketball in Kaipara, having strong leadership and commitment at the club helps to show the younger generation what they can achieve.
“A lot of the younger players go on to become leaders, which gives the younger boys something to play towards. We honour that and make a big deal out of it so that younger players want to stick around and aim for the same achievements in the future,” Peeni says.
