Quaid Martin-Laumatia - Proudest winner of Willie Collins Memorial Medal

Above: Quaid Quaid Martin-Laumatia with Helen and August Collins after winning the ingaural Collins Medal last weekend, and inset with Jerry Collins in 2008 (see link to article at bottom).

The sudden and shocking deaths of cousins Willie and Jerry Collins rocked the entire Wellington rugby community. Quaid Martin-Laumatia had reason to be shaken more than most. His family were close friends of Willie while Quaid was an assistant to Jerry in a television programme broadcast on the Disney Channel.

"Jerry came to my house in 2008 to record a series called Undercover Coach. I was the chubby kid with the Mohawk. He put a hole in the fence when he smashed through it during a tackle demonstration. Later I went to St. Pat’s Town and Jerry's legacy was a big part of the First XV." Martin-Laumatia recalls.

"I had a lot to do with Willie because I had family go through St. Bernard's College. He would visit us a lot. Willie was a really good player and such a nice guy." Martin-Laumatia continued.

In the opening round of the Swindale Shield on Saturday, the Collins memory was acknowledged in the match between Norths and Petone. The inaugural Willie Collins Memorial Medal was presented to the Man of the Match and North's Martin-Laumatia was the proud recipient.

"I was really nervous beforehand because it was my senior debut. It was special to score two tries and play a apart in the win. All the forwards really stood up and preformed their roles which made my job easier." Martin-Laumatia acclaims.

Martin-Laumatia's life has been the opposite of easy for the past year. He missed the entire 2016 season because of shoulder surgery.

"My shoulder has been a reoccurring problem. I popped it while playing for St. Pat's Town against Wellington College in 2014. I played through that season, but it became more unstable and had to be operated on. It was hard, but worth it." Martin-Laumatia explains.

Martin-Laumatia played basketball in his junior years at St. Pat’s Town before switching back to rugby and earning the captaincy of the First XV in 2014. Martin-Laumatia with his strong leadership and aggressive play helped Town achieve 16 wins in 20 games and beat Wellington College in the annual traditional for the first time since 2006. That he would have pushed for selection in the Wellington Under-19's was as certain as his commitment to Norths.

"There was never any question I would go to Norths. Because I went to St. Pats Town, MSP tried to lure me there several times, but I am a firm believer in playing for the jersey and being loyal. Porirua is where my family and I are from,” Martin-Laumatia insists.

Norths have been relegated to the Hardham Cup for the last four seasons. Is Saturday's win the start of a resurgence?

"We’re not getting carried away. We’re taking each game as it comes. Monday is the start of a new week which brings new challenges. This Saturday we have Poneke. That will be tough. They have a decorated loose forward trio and play a similar, physical style to us."

Read about Quaid Martin-Laumatia with Jerry Collins in a 2008 Stuff article here