Potroz to play in milestone match

It’s been a long wait for Tukapa first-five eighth Jayson Potroz just to play one competition match this year.

After a 13 week wait, the 28-year-old will play in his 100^th game for Tukapa against rivals New Plymouth Old Boys in the opening round of the CMK premier club rugby competition on Saturday.

Potroz started his premier career for Stratford in 2010 before moving to Tukapa in the 2013 season.

Despite missing the odd game for the club over the years, he has featured in many Tukapa victories, including their back-to-back finals in 2016 and 2017.

Potroz said he doesn’t play for milestones but is looking forward to the shortened season.

“It’s nice to be recognised for playing for an awesome club but my focus is about playing well for the team as we only have one round to get it right this year,” the 13 capped Yarrows Taranaki Bulls player said.

Tukapa co-coach Ben Siffleet said he is a big part of the club on and off the field.

“He has always worked hard and wants the best for himself and the team.”

Siffleet said the team’s focus is to enjoy their rugby while playing a positive brand.

New Plymouth Old Boys coach Kelvin McDowell, who also coached Potroz while coaching at Tukapa, said their side will be a big force this year and expects a physical encounter on Saturday. 

“Tukapa will be a big challenge for us this week. The focus for us this week is to challenge ourselves to lift our performance and intensity higher from our hit out last week. We have plenty to improve on and the team is willing to work hard to get the improvements.”

McDowell said the match could have some decisive moments in it.

Defending champions Spotswood United are away to Stratford/Eltham at Victoria Park.

Spotswood United features many of their players from last year’s successful season and has recruited halfback Kylem O’Donnell, who returns from a stint in Waikato. O’Donnell has played 33 games for Taranaki across two periods, last playing in 2017.  

Traditionally, Stratford/Eltham start the season with positive intent and the shorter campaign could work in their favour.

The central Taranaki side has recruited three exciting Bayleys Taranaki Bulls Academy players.

In remaining matches, last year’s finalists Coastal host Clifton and Southern will travel north to play Inglewood at TET Stadium.

All matches kick off at 2:45pm.   

CMK Chartered Accountants are proud partners of Taranaki club rugby. CMK Chartered Accountants have been providing accounting, taxation and business development support to clients for nearly 70 years. They take pride in working closely with their clients at all stages of growth, to structure their business to maximise both profit and efficiency.

Article added: Friday 19 June 2020