Mighty Motu Power

Above: Motu Matu'u fending off then Marist St Pat's first five-eighth and now Oriental-Rongotai club mate Fa'atonu Fili in last year's Jubilee Cup Final.

Unfortunately post interviewing Motu Matu'u last week the hard-hitting hooker broke his arm in an incredibly physical battle with the Stormers at FMG Stadium in Palmerston North last Friday and is expected to be out for several weeks.

Surprisingly this defensive demon did not start out his rugby days in the same vein. Rugby wasn't a huge component in a young Motu Matu'u's life and he admittedly was never the type willing to get dirty or hurt on his Saturday mornings.

"I wasn't a big age grade player. I was one of those kids who didn't want to get hurt or injured, I was just a mummy's boy" laughed Matu'u.

It was only in the latter stages of his high school days at Rongotai College where Motu and others began to see the talent and skills that he had.

"From 6^th form onwards I began playing 1^st xv and from 7^th form I really wanted to knuckle down and play footy."

It was only then that he started to take his rugby seriously and perhaps even make a career out of it.

As is so often the case, college rugby was a huge highlight for Matu'u who vividly recalls his time playing at his old school in Rongotai.

"A highlight for me was running out in front of the school, it was just always an awesome experience that I will never forget."

After his time at the proud rugby college in Rongotai he then, naturally, began playing club rugby with Ories and that is when people started to stand up and take count of the promise that this lethal hooker possessed.

Ories, a very strong club in the Swindale Shield and Jubilee Cup competitions, has nurtured some of Wellington best in recent years and Motu Matu'u seems to be following the same path to the top.

He spoke with great enthusiasm about his club and could only draw positives for what the future holds at Oriental-Rongotai.

"All the boys really enjoy playing club rugby and it's a great way to get recognised for Wellington rugby.

"We always pop by and help where we can. The boys enjoy being amongst each other and we all grew up together and enjoy playing together and it's all about having fun so it works."

It may sound a clich? but sport definitely is about having fun and I could tell Motu believed this wholeheartedly. It is without doubt a key element in any successful side. You have got to enjoy what you're doing to do well and Motu Matu'u is the prime example of a player having fun but having huge effect at the same time.

Matu'u's professional career came to fruition in 2010 with the Wellington Lions where his hard work appeared to be paying off.

"Jamie Joseph gave me the call and said I was the third hooker for the Lions and I was so happy to be part of the environment so I took every opportunity I had."

From ITM Cup the next step is Super Rugby and the eager hooker sought out coach, Mark Hammett, himself to know where he stood as far as selection goes and what he must do to be considered.

"I decided I had to know so I asked Hammer (Mark Hammett) what I needed to work on he told me and then he said ‘we'll look at you'."

He spoke openly about his hard-working background and nature which his parents instilled in him from a young age. He learnt nothing comes to you without going out and grabbing it with both hands.

"I was always working really hard and also I owe my parents and know my pain was nothing compared to what they worked for growing up.

"At the end of 2011 I got the call from Hammer and Alama that I had made the squad and it felt like I was dreaming."

The Hurricanes are both lucky and unlucky two have two quality hookers in Dane Coles and Matu'u. Lucky in the sense that they are both class acts and unlucky in the sense they are both currently injured.

"I couldn't ask for anyone better than Dane, we've come up the similar stages of rugby and he is forever giving me tips on how to develop."

I could not help but ask where his defensive ferocity comes from; technique, size or aggression, I had to hear it from the bulldozer's mouth.

"I get asked the same question all the time" he laughed."

"I don't know really all I know is I really get excited on defence."

Unfortunately for the Hurricanes this menacing hooker, who offers much more than his powerful hits, will be sorely missed on their tour of South Africa starting this weekend against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld.

He remains a pivotal part of Wellington rugby whether that is in the starting role or as impact off the bench. Higher honours in this great game are definitely possible for this young and talented titanic that is MotuMatu'u. Watch this space.