|
A. I was with
the reserve team squad and
trained with them.
Q. Did you
meet Ryan Nelsen?
A. He came to
the club on my second or third
day and showed me around.
Q. He is
injured at the moment so does
that mean he had more time to
spend with you?
A. Probably
not. Injured players tend to
spend more time working on their
recovery than those who are
training.
Q. What was a
typical day for you?
A. I was
staying in the lodge alongside
the club’s ground. We had
breakfast and then had either
one or two gym sessions and a
training session.
Q. What age
were the players you were
training with?
A. About my
age. Around 18-19.
Q. What
nationalities?
A. Mostly
English but there was an
Australian goalkeeper on trial
as well as a couple of Irish and
Welsh lads and a Spaniard.
Q. Did you see
the reserve team play and were
you able to take part?
A. I saw a
couple of their games but I was
not able to play as I was not
registered. I did play in about
four friendlies though.
Q. Was the
training much different from
what you had done in New
Zealand?
A. It was
definitely a step up. Much
faster and stronger. They were
all really good players.
Q. How do you
feel you did?
A. I thought I
was doing alright. It was
awesome to train every day.
Q. In most
games here and for New Zealand
you usually play a central
midfield role. What position did
you play over there?
A. Mainly
right wing which was a bit
foreign but once I got used to
it I enjoyed it.
Q. What
happens next?
A. I am back
here for a couple of weeks. I
have to get my work visa sorted
out. Having an English
grandfather helps that. Once
that is done I plan to go back.
I can’t sign professional forms
until I am 18 which is in
January. If everything goes well
that’s what I hope to do.
Q. Has there
been any interest from other
clubs or is it just Blackburn in
the frame?
A. Just
Blackburn at this stage. There
is a great set-up there and I’m
more than happy with that.
Q. Was there a
huge difference in the standard
that you saw there and what you
have seen at home?
A. I’m sure
some players here could cope.
They have the ability but it is
more a thing of a rugby culture
here versus a soccer culture
there. The coaches I have had
here – Chris Turner, Neil Emblen, Darren Bazeley and Danny Hay -- are
very good. I have always had
good coaches and I’m sure that
has helped me.
Q. Finally,
did you see any of the Rugby
World Cup over there?
A. I was lucky
enough to get back on the
morning of the final and saw
that. I also saw the All Blacks
games and a couple of others
while I was there. |
