Around the Grounds - 8 April

Massive milestone for Weymouth star
Weymouth stalwart Jack Tuala will play his 200th game for the club this weekend when his side meets Karaka.
Tuala has been a pillar for the Weymouth club on and off the field and reaches his phenomenal milestone back in the premier grade.

Celebration at Onewhero
Onewhero celebrates its centenary this Saturday when they host long-time rivals Pukekohe at Onewhero Domain.
The club began in 1920 and had planned to celebrate last year before COVID prevented that from happening.
The day of celebration begins with junior rugby in the morning, speeches and a lunch before the main game gets underway at 2.45pm. Live music will go into the night.

Vuga farewells Waiuku
The popular Vuga Tagicakibau will play his final match for Waiuku on Saturday as they face Manurewa at Mountfort Park.
The long-time Counties Manukau Rugby Development Officer left his post this week to head overseas.

Player’s podcast on the way
Three Steelers players are getting together to produce a regular podcast about the local game. The three popular figures will bring a player’s perspective on club rugby and plan on getting guests from all clubs on to share their thoughts.
It will be well worth a listen and is set to launch in the coming week or two.

Could Counties Manukau land a big fish?
Which player with All Blacks experience is considering a move to Counties Manukau?
Counties Sports Hub understands the player in question is close friends with a current Steelers player and has some links to the Union despite never playing for them.
It would be a huge coup if he was to make the move.

New gigs for Black Ferns
Black Ferns and Heat stars Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Hazel Tubic have taken up contracts with Counties Manukau Rugby to work in the development space.
Heat skipper Marino-Tauhinu will work in junior development while Tubic will focus on women’s development.

Club tribute to Aussie league star
In a weird tribute to former Aussie rugby league legend Tommy Raudonikis, who passed away this week after a battle with cancer, one local coach is promising to use his famous pre-game warm-ups at the Western Suburbs Magpies with his club side this week.
The routine features players slapping each other in the face in a throw back to the good old days.