TJ Perenara: rapid rise to the dream

Above: TJ Perenara? playing for Norths against Wainuiomata, about to be tackled by former Hurricane and Wellington Lions teammate Frae Wilson and with Lions flanker Dean Brunsdon in support on his left shoulder.

A little over a year ago TJ Perenara suffered a serious ankle injury which ruled him out of the game for the next six months.

The young halfback was playing some of the best quality rugby seen around the country until his 2012 season was cruelly cut short. Many believed he was an end of year tour shoe-in with the All Blacks but those dreams were put on hold for the time being.

Fast forward a year and the All Blacks squad incumbent is right at the top once again. His strong performances over the past two seasons have been rewarded with the selection into the initial All Blacks squad where he will arguably remain.

This rising star began his playing days in Porirua with the Norths-Onepoto club which kick-started his love and talent for the game.

"Rugby has been huge in my family right from before I was born. My father and grandfather are life members at Norths and his father was a life member at Upper Hutt.? It's been a huge part of my life ever since playing for Norths-Onepoto growing up and eventually going on to play for Norths."

His family certainly shaped his love for the game and ultimately nurtured his flourishing talent as he went through the motions of junior, college, club and professionalism.

"My granddad and my dad were huge role models for me, both as players and coaches."

Perenara beamed with fondness for his old stomping ground at Mana College and looks back envious on those who are currently playing college rugby.

"I loved college footy and I still envy the boys playing now with your best mates around you and it definitely shaped my career. I came from a small school and we battled week in and week out and it helped motivate me with my rugby career."

"The likes of the Ellison brothers would come in and tell us that no matter where you come from if you train hard you can make it".

TJ began playing Premier rugby with Norths while he was still at school. It didn't take long for the Wellington Union to come knocking for his assistance when the halfback arsenal was running low.

"I got lucky with Piri (Weepu) breaking his ankle and Alby (Mathewson) got called into the All Blacks so I was lucky enough to get a run against Southland and Canterbury but I certainly cherish those moments."

Although the young man has had somewhat of a rapid rise through his sheer skill and hard work he still believes that patience is a virtue.

"I believe you have to go through a certain pathway. I know I have to work hard and tick all the boxes to make these teams."

The recent All Blacks squad selection was an obvious one for many. He has been one of the top halfbacks in the Super Rugby competition for two years and has certainly earned his place amongst the giants of world rugby.

"I was very humbled by it. I know it's just an initial squad but me and especially my family are very proud of that."

The injury suffered a year ago brought about many positives for TJ despite going through the natural cycle of frustration and anger at times.

"Initially I was quite positive about it but then I got to a darker space of wondering how I would get back to that level. I turned to family and looked into work options for later and tried to be the best person I could be outside of rugby as well."

"I knew footy was on hold for six months and at the start that was frustrating but I had to accept that and move on."

"There was a lot of work from other people to get me back to my best; from the team that performs around me, to the coaches and nutritionists who stopped me from blowing out. So there are a lot of people behind the scenes who I thank for helping me get back to this level."

The recent All Blacks camp at Mt. Maunganui was a great learning experience for the Hurricanes halfback who used all the resources around him to help build his career further.

"It was pretty cool mixing it with the best in the world learning off guys like Carter and Read. It's great to be able to pick their brains."

There is little doubt that TJ should get an opportunity to pull on the black jersey sometime this year.

"A lot of young kids strive for the same goals to represent your country and if you can achieve that then there's nothing better. If I get that opportunity it would be awesome".

Perenara, who is mature beyond his years, still hasn't forgotten where he has come from despite the dizzy heights his career has already taken him in such a short time. Norths is clearly where his heart is and will remain.? The Norths jersey is extremely special to him.

"I love that jersey as much as I love any other jersey so I hold that in high regard and don't take the club stuff lightly".

While discussing his career we both agreed that the Wellington Club rugby competition is at an extremely high level and helps the transition into the big time.

"I think it is. Players can easily adapt from club to provincial rugby because it is such a high level".

As far as the current Hurricanes season is concerned they are sitting at a bottleneck on the ladder and ultimately have to win this Friday against the Brumbies in Canberra.

"We are in a position where we need to win and we all know that and taking on one of the top teams is a great challenge".

The young man from Norths has a good head on his shoulders and has grown from season to season. He has many irons in the fire when his footy days come to an end far into the future.

"I really enjoy radio and media and it's something I am serious about after my career especially and I always enjoy the time talking to people and getting involved with the media".

It is clear TJ Perenara will continue to thrill the country and worldwide rugby public for years to come and become a main stayer of our national side very soon.