Right: Hutt Old Boys Marist wing James Kusel on the attack against Petone in the McBain Shield clash in early May 2013. He scored four tries in this game.

Swift ?HOBM wing James Kusel made some impression on the Wellington Premier club rugby competition upon his return in early 2013 from two seasons away.

In three matches (he'd missed five more, involved in the NZ Australian Rules team) he had scored eight tries, including a hat trick against Rimutaka in round seven and a four-try special against Petone in round eight in the annual McBain Shield interclub clash. Kusel impressed with his pace and swerve and is a huge asset on the end of a potent Eagles backline.

After leaving Hutt International Boys' School at the end of 2005, Kusel returned to his childhood rugby club HOBM and played for their Colts in 2006. The following year, 2007, he made his Premier debut and went on to win the Jubilee Cup playing most games at fullback.

Before his return in 2013, he spent time away from rugby pursuing other interests including study, travel, Australian Rules Football and martial arts.

In January 2013 he played for the New Zealand Hawks Australian Rules Football team against the AFL Australian Institute of Sport team at Wellington Stadium (January) and in April 2013 in matches against the South Pacific Selection.

?Not to be messed with, Kusel is a Black Belt in Nam Wah Pai kung fu - a Chinese martial art.