Vorenasu a team man

NGATI Porou East Coast player of the year Sikeli Vorenasu made his debut in a 34-13 loss to traditional rivals Poverty Bay at Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
But even in defeat, Vorenasu’s performance at Rugby Park suggested the Coast had unearthed a gem.
The fullback landed a conversion and two penalties that day but it was his pace and ability to beat his man and read the game that stamped him as a potential game-breaker.
His consistently high standard made him a favourite for the player of the year honour in a team stacked with top performers, although the man himself didn’t agree.
“I wouldn’t say that,” the softly spoken Fijian told The Gisborne Herald this week.
“I was shocked when my name was announced. I know it is a clich é but there is no I in team and without my team-mates I would never have won this award.
“As backs we often get all the attention, especially if we score tries, but we had some forwards who were awesome all season.”
Vorenasu, who made the Bay of Plenty Steamers squad in 2009 and 2010 but did not cement a place in the 22, said he loved being part of the East Coast set-up.
“I was made to feel welcome from the first game and would love to come back again next year if I don’t make the Bay of Plenty squad — that’s always the first goal.
“The Coast team was well run by Ngarimu Simpkins (player-coach) and Rua Tipoki (assistant player-coach). They introduced a professionalism into the camp that just got better with every game.
“I had more to do with Rua, as he was the backs coach, and learned a lot from him, which I hope will benefit me in the future.”
Vorenasu, who scored nine tries during the Heartland Championship, said beating Poverty Bay in Tolaga Bay, stunning defending champions North Otago in the semifinals and the Meads Cup final were the highlights . . . “and now this, being named player of the year”.
“The atmosphere in Tolaga was the best I have ever played in and to win made it even more special. Then to go down to Oamaru and beat North Otago was something I will never forget. I don’t think anyone gave us a chance but we did it.
“Losing the final and dislocating my thumb wasn’t great but we had more highs than lows.”
Simpkins said he knew he was getting a “special” player when he signed Vorenasu.
“I played against him in the Bay club competition and knew he would be a game-breaker. He has the ability and the attitude to play at a higher level. Despite all the attention, he never let it get to him and he always played for the team, not himself.
“We would love to get him back again next year. The players loved having him in the team and the supporters got a buzz every time he had the ball.”
Although Vorenasu endeared himself to team-mates and supporters with his tryscoring exploits, it was his try-saving tackle against high-flying Thames Valley in Ruatoria on September 10 that stamped him as a class player.
With the match delicately balanced just before halftime, a Thames Valley player intercepted at halfway and looked certain to score under the posts as most of the Coast players were caught out of position and gave up the chase.
Not Vorenasu, who was on the opposite end of the chain when the intercept occurred. He pinned back his ears and caught the would-be tryscorer a metre from the line. He gave away a penalty by holding on but saved a certain seven points.
Vorenasu went on to score the match-winning try in a 31-26 victory.