Poneke Rugby Club
Profiles
On behalf of Poneke Football Club Inc - we would like to thank David Hamilton for his generosity for taking the Poneke Profile Photos of our Coaches and Senior Players. Visit his website - www.photonz.co.nz.
Poneke Coach Profiles
Name: Danny Rangihuna
Nickname: Daniel-San or Novice
I coach the Poneke: Pressies
The night we train on: Wednesdays, 6.30pm
The style of rugby we play is: Open and you're on your own when you make a break
Secondary School attended: Western Heights High - Rotorua
Position: Anywhere in the backs
If I could coach a S14 squad it would be: The Crusaders
The players would say I'm: Soft
Best piece of rugby advice: Women when you retire
I coach for Poneke because: If I don't, I'll have to spend quality time with the wife
Name: Ngarangi Ruth Aukino
I coach the Poneke: Womens
The nights we train on: Monday & Wednesday, 6.30pm-7.30pm
The style of rugby we play is: Physical and smart
Secondary School attended: St Catherines & Wellington High
Position: Centre/Wing/Fullback
I played my rugby for: Poneke Womens 1990
If I could coach a S14 squad it would be: The Highlanders
Best piece of rugby advice: 'Body on the line'
I coach for Poneke because: Poneke Football Club was the first and only rugby club I played for before going over to play rugby league for Miramar Roosters. A friend approached me last year to help coach the Poneke Womens Team and was very hesitant to do so. But good memories has made my decision to give something back to the club.
Name: Jennifer Su'emalo Tonu'u
I coach the Poneke: Womens
The nights we train on: Monday & Wednesday, 6.30pm-7.30pm
The style of rugby we play is: Physical and smart
Position: 1,2,3,4,6,8,10,12,13
I played my rugby for: Poneke (don't worry about the rest)
If I could coach a S14 squad it would be: The Chiefs
The players would say I'm: Constructive
Earliest rugby memory: PK Cross
Best piece of rugby advice: NO FEFE!!
I can't live without: My son - oh and SKY TV
I coach for Poneke because: I belong
Name: Fa'atoto Moananu
Nickname: T
I coach the Poneke: Senior 1 (Backs) - Joint venture with Rob Turuwhenua (Forwards) for Head Coach and tactical maestro Jed Thian
The nights we train on: Tuesdays & Thursdays
The style of rugby we play is: Wide, running rugby, with big hits on 'D'
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
Position: Anywhere in the backs except for Halfback
I played my rugby for: PONEKE from 1994-2008
The players would say I'm: Still gonna play in 2009!!!
I can't live without: My wife (Maria) and kids (Tristan-Perry and Chelsey)
I coach for Poneke because: I'm too lazy to run around the rugby paddock for another season
Name: Jed Thian
Nickname: Jedi
I coach the Poneke: Senior 1
The style of rugby we play is: Hard
Position: Wing, Loosehead Prop
I played my rugby for: Valley RFC - Weston, Zingari-Richmond - Dunedin, Avalon - Lower Hutt
If I could coach a S14 squad it would be: The Sharks Super 14 Cheerleaders Squad
The players would say I'm: First to the food after the game
Earliest rugby memory: Watching my older brother play
Best piece of rugby advice: Try to leave the paddock with no regrets
Describe Poneke in 3 words: You. Me. We.
Name: Mark Potter
I coach the Poneke: U21s
The nights we train on: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Secondary School attended: Central Hawkes Bay College
The style of rugby we play is: Thinking rugby where players are self-adjusting to games and are strong in defence and fast to attack
I played my rugby for: Massey University in the Manuwatu in the 80s
The players would say I'm: Firm but fair and I explain things well
Best piece of rugby advice: If you don't train and prepare for the game you're no use to anybody
I can't live without: Something to do, I get bored easily
I coach for Poneke because: I love the club philosophy of inclusion, where you not only play but you belong as well
Poneke Player Profiles
Name: Deane Ah Kuoi
Nickname: Deano
On the team sheet I'm Number: 13
Secondary School attended: St Pats Town
The best thing about rugby is: The physicality
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Playing PS3
Earliest rugby memory: MSP Jets
Favourite song before a game: Any fast, amping, hip hop song
I can't live without: Music/My iPod
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
Three words that describe Poneke: Great family club
Name: Alex Alesbrook
Nickname: Noddy
On the team sheet I'm number: 8
Secondary school attended: Ratcliffe College (UK)
The best thing about rugby is: The lads
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Teaching or sleeping
The rugby player I most admire is: Richard Hill
Earliest rugby memory: Mini rugby in the rain
Favourite song before a game: Spice Girls or Take That
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Vinnie Jones
The best concert to go to would be: U2
Three words that describe Poneke: Friendly, Ambitious, Team
Name: Kenny Anderson
Nickname: Keef
On the team sheet I'm Number: 1, 2 or 3, in reality, 16,17 or 18
Secondary School attended: Central Hawkes Bay College
The best thing about rugby is: The aftermatch
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Chilling with my people
The rugby player I most admire is: The Moananu Twins
Favourite song before a rugby game: Gangsta Party
I can't live without: My 50" TV...hopefully Katy doesn't read this!
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star, Sports Star: ROCK STAR!
The best concert to go to would be: Lionel Ritchie would be pretty mean
Three words that describe Poneke: Whanau, Friends, Beer
Name: Tom Anderson
Nickname: Ando
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: The Clubrooms
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Actively pursuing a career in talent scouting
The rugby player I most admire is: Steve Price
Earliest rugby memory: Listening to games on the wireless at 3am with a bowl of Weetbix
Favourite song before a rugby game: Welcome to the Jungle
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Scott Garvie
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Rock Star
I can't live without: Dinner
Three words that describe Poneke: Passion, People, Performance
Name: Judd Baker
Nickname: King Judd
On the team sheet I'm Number: 3
Secondary School attended: Wellington High School
The best thing about rugby is: Getting buff
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Playing poker, studying
The rugby player I most admire is: Ambrose Plaister
Earliest rugby memory: Ripping up
Favourite song before a rugby game: We don't need another hero - Tina Turner
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Danny DeVito
The best concert to go to would be: Kaiser Chiefs
Three words that describe Poneke: Hard Case Fullas
Name: Marlon Beard
Nickname: Marly
On the team sheet I'm Number: 15
The best thing about rugby is: Marking old fellas
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Cleaning windows
The rugby player I most admire is: Mils Muliaina
Earliest rugby memory: Scoring try on sideline
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Hugh Jackman
I can't live without: My other half
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: Pendulum/Prodigy
Three words that describe Poneke: TBC
Name: Andrew Castle
Nickname: Castle or AC
On the teamsheet I'm Number: 2
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: The people you meet
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Practicing rubic cubes
The rugby player I most admire is: Ben Castle
Earliest rugby memory: Playing my first rugby game ever for Wellington College
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Will Ferrell
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: Metallica
Three words that describe Poneke: Atmosphere, Unity, Pride
Name: Dario Esposito
Nickname: D-Razz, D
On the team sheet I'm number: 12, 13
Secondary School attended: St Pats Town
The best thing about rugby is: Keeping fit, the mates
The rugby player I most admire is: Jeff 'The King' Wilson
Earliest rugby memory: Fending when playing touch rugby
Favourite song before a rugby game: Shapeshifter - One
If my life was a movie, I woiuld be played by: Myself
I can't live without: Sleep, my mates, cashflows
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star
Three words that describe Poneke: Blood, Sweat, Pride
Name: Joe Fiu
Nickname: Joey Johns
On the team sheet I'm Number: 9
Secondary School attended: Rongotai College
The best thing about rugby is: After the game
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Chilling
The rugby player I most admire is: Isaia Toeava
Earliest rugby memory: Watching my brothers play
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Tom Cruise
I can't live without: Food and my mum
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Rock Star
Three words that describe Poneke: Friendly, Fun, Awesome
Name: Adrian Grey
On the team sheet I'm Number: 10
Secondary School attended: Mahurangi College
The best thing about rugby is: The aftermatch
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Eating or sleeping
The rugby player I most admire is: David Kirk
Earliest rugby memory: Frosty grounds at Whangateau
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Clint Eastwood
I can't live without: My '96 Toyota Corolla
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star (Golf)
The best concert to go to would be: RHCP at Slaine Castle
Name: Tom Hiratsuka
Nickname: Tommy or Monster
On the team sheet I'm Number: 9
Secondary School attended: In Japan
The best thing about rugby is: The smell
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: A rat
The rugby player I most admire is: Byron Kelleher
Earliest rugby memory: Playing with tears running out
I can't live without: Fingers
Pick One - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star
Three words that describe Poneke: Very good club
Name: Ben Huntley
Nickname: Huntz
On the teamsheet I'm Number: 15/14
Secondary School attended: Rongotai College
The best thing about rugby is: Winning
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Sleeping
The rugby player I most admire is: Sonny Bill Williams
Earliest rugby memory: Playing Under 13s for Poneke
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Morgan Turinui
I can't live without: Sex
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star
The best concert to go to would be: T.I
Name: Rhys Jackson
Nickname: Rhys'o
On the teamsheet I'm: Whatever you want me to be, including the cameraman
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: Saturdays
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Usually working
The rugby player I most admire is: Christian Cullen
Earliest rugby memory is: Eating oranges at half time in the Under 4s
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Matt Damon
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Rock Star
The best concert to go to would be: Mine if I was a ROCK STAR
Three words that describe Poneke: Best Club Ever
Name: Doug Jones
Nickname: Dougy Fresh
Secondary School attended: Gisborne Boys High School
The best thing about rugby is: Winning and playing with the boys
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Working for MAF, diving, fishing, golfing or eating
The rugby player I most admire is: H E Gear
Earliest rugby memory: Oranges at half time whilst barefoot in the ice
Favourite song before a rugby game: 'If I Can't Do It' - 50 Cent
If my life was a movie, I'd be played by: Sly Stallone or Luke Skywalker
I can't live without: Maori kai or sweet and sour pork
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star
Three words that describe Poneke: Loyal, Hard, Brotherhood
Name: Phillip Katene
Nickname: Phil, Stewy
Secondary School attended: Bishop Viard College
The best thing about rugby is: Team, brothers
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Training
The rugby player I most admire is: Tana Umaga
Favourite song before a rugby game: All Along The Watchtower
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Brad Pitt
I can't live without: Subway
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: ACDC
Three words that describe Poneke: Loyal, Blood, Sweat
Name: Michael McGowan
On the team sheet I'm Number:6
Secondary School attended: Down High School, Northern Ireland
The best thing about rugby is: 'Tackling' - Scott Burger, 2005
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Saving babies lives
The rugby player I most admire is: David Humphreys
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Me (and pay myself a fortune)
I can't live without: Oxygen
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star - Neill Best
The best concert to go to would be: KISS
Three words that describe Poneke: Near the airport
Name: Misipalauni Moananu
Nickname: P
On the team sheet I'm Number: 22
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: Hurting people without going to jail
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Spending time with family and with Shannon
The rugby player I most admire is: Darren West for being a sack
Earliest rugby memory: Crying to dad when I was 7 when I got a bleeding nose
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Will Smith
I can't live without: Family, Shannon and cornbeef and spaghetti stew with plain rice
Three words that describe Poneke: Pride, History, Family
Name: Misiluni Moananu
Nickname: Loungs
On the team sheet I'm Number: 3
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: Testing what you got to offer to the team
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Working, eating, sleeping, watching DVDs or training
Earliest rugby memory: Under 7 rugby league, me forgetting my rugby boots and playing in my gumboots
Favourite song before a rugby game: Hey Ya
I can't live without: My family, partner and KFC
If my life was a movie - I would be played by: Chris Tucker
Three words that describe Poneke: Honour, Loyalty, Family
Name: Ally Paine
Nickname: Train, AP
On the teamsheet I'm Number: 6 or 2
Secondary School attended: Napier Boys
The best thing about rugby is: Buddies
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Pushing tin, eating, playing with my camera
The rugby player I most admire is: Corey/Ritchie
Earliest rugby memory: Playing for Tech in Napier, had a bowl cut and it was mean
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Cliff Curtis
I can't live without: Water and Kai
The best concert to go to would be: Kings of Leon
Three words that describe Poneke: For the boys
Name: Ambrose Plaister
Nickname: Brose
On the team sheet I'm number: 11
Secondary School attended: Napier Boys High School
The best thing about rugby is: Scoring tries
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Playing sport or at the beach
The rugby player I most admire is: Toto Moananu
Earliest rugby memory: Barefoot footy on frosty grass
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Matt Damon
I can't live without: Sleep
The best concert to go to would be: Coldplay
Three words that describe Poneke: Red and Black
Name: James Pointon
On the team sheet I'm Number: 10
Secondary School attended: Rongotai College
The best thing about rugby is: The hits
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Watching TV
The rugby player I most admire is: Dan Carter
Favourite song before a rugby game: Hit 'em up - 2Pac
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Brad Pitt
I can't live without: KFC
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star - Sports Star
The best concert to go to would be: Katchafire
Three words that describe Poneke: Red, Black, Rugby
Name: Lance Purdie
Nickname: Lancer
On the team sheet I'm Number: 4
Secondary School attended: Wellington College
The best thing about rugby is: The court session
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Cutting shapes
The rugby player I most admire is: Ando
Earliest rugby memory: First game for Senior 2s
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Will Smith
Pick one: Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Rock Star
The best concert to go to would be: Metallica
Three words that describe Poneke: Poneke, You Belong
Name: Daniel Ramsay
Nickname: Ramo
On the team sheet I'm Number: 4,5,6
Secondary School attended: Southland Boys High School
The best thing about rugby is: Playing with your mates
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Surfing or reading books
The rugby player I most admire is: My dad carving up in the Senior C's
Earliest rugby memory: Playing for Invercargill Blues at 9am in the frost
I can't live without: My surfboard
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Will Smith
The best concert to go to would be: UB40 in Holland or Red Hot Chili Peppers in California
Three words that describe Poneke: Nothing but family
Name: Peter Shand
Nickname: Shandy/Shoeshine
On the team sheet I'm Number 15/14
Secondary School attended: Paraparaumu College
The best thing aout rugby is: Winning
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Eating/At physio
The rugby player I most admire is: Toto Moananu
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Judd Baker
I can't live without: Food
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Sports Star
The best concert to go to would be: Jack Johnson
Three words that describe Poneke: Family, Strong, Home
Name: Eito Tamura
Nickname: Professor Yamamoto
Secondary School attended: Napier Boys High
The best thing about rugby is: Drinking afterwards
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: On the internet
The rugby player I most admire is: Simon Dodd - the best player/coach ever
Earliest rugby memory: I was 5 years old playing for a rugby club in Japan
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Not many options, the Asian from 'Heroes' or anyone from 'The Last Samurai' or can be animated
I can't live without: Broadband
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: Judd Baker's - Poneke Idol
Three words that describe Poneke: Red and Black
Name: Presley Tufaga
Nickname: Prez, Prezident, Uala
On the team sheet I'm Number: 6
Secondary School attended: Rongotai College
The best thing about rugby is: Free gears
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Relaxing or talking to girls
The rugby player I most admire is: Isaia Toeava
Earliest rugby member: Scoring 6 tries as a prop
Favourite song before a rugby game: Lil Wayne - Hot Revolver
If my life was a movie I would be played by: Dwayne Johnson
I can't live without: Parents
Three words that describe Poneke: Very good club
Name: Matt Welford
Nickname: Taffy
Secondary School attended: Caerleon Comprehensive
The best thing about rugby is: The team
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Working
The rugby player I most admire is: Gareth Edwards
Earliest rugby memory: Mini rugby
If my life was a movie, I would be played by: Jack Black
Favourite song before a rugby game: CWM Rhondda
I can't live without: Donuts
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: Stereophonics
Name: Darren West
Nickname: Daga
On the team sheet I'm Number: 6/7 or 19
Secondary School attended: Forest View High School
When I'm not playing rugby I'm: Hanging with my family
The rugby player I most admire is: John Kirwan
Earliest rugby memory: Bare feet, frosty Saturday mornings in Tokoroa, the mud was harder than concrete
If my life was movie I would be played by: Vanilla Ice
I can't live my life without: Taimaania
Pick one - Movie Star, Rock Star or Sports Star: Movie Star
The best concert to go to would be: Boyz2Men...Done!
Three words that describe Poneke: Hearty, Family, Brothers!