Century up for Tawa skipper Matt Treeby this Saturday

Above: Tawa hooker and captain Matt Treeby playing against Marist St Pat's in this their Gala Day opener a fortnight ago.

"It's one of the best Sundays I've ever had. I remember the bus ride before the game. There was a huge belief on board, a purpose we are here to make history." Matthew Treeby recalls of Jubilee Cup final day in 2013.

Tawa beat Oriental Rongotai 26-21 at the Hutt Recreation Ground to win Wellington's Premier rugby trophy for the first time - an almost unthinkable achievement when Treeby first started with the club in 2007.

"We were always inconsistent. I don't think it was a shortage of talent, but the attitude of some players wasn't good." Treeby complains.

"I think things started to change around 2011 when a core group of senior players took ownership and stepped things up, that and the arrival of Dion Waller and Steven So'oialo really installed a better work ethic and belief," Treeby continued.

This Saturday Treeby will make his 100th start for Tawa. His first was in 2007, a game "I can't remember." It was a 29-17 win over Avalon in Round One of the Swindale Shield, Treeby was 21.

In the early days emulating the feats of neighbours Norths was the major motivation for Tawa. Norths was the undisputed powerhouse, but Tawa did score an infamous win in round one of the 2009 Jubilee Cup. Norths had scored 75 tries in 11 games in convincingly capturing the Swindale Shield, but were upset by their local rivals.

"The games against Norths always have an edge, but especially in those days when Norths were really strong. We beat them 24-15, but later our points were stripped for fielding an unregistered player or something like that. It was kind of indicative of the club back then." Treeby says.

Treeby never entertained thoughts of leaving and counts himself lucky to have played with some "special talent."

"Guys like Willie Lafaele, Junior Togia and Pati Gaualofa are great players and mates. They can all entertain and put in the big hits. The thing about Tawa is when we are on, we are on and it's exciting to be a part of" Treeby explains.

Treeby admits he isn't "the flashest player," but attributes his longevity to accuracy and aggression.

"I am not the biggest hooker so I have to be accurate and aggressive. I like to get in people's faces and work hard." he says.

That aggression means Treeby occasionally flirts with the rules. Three yellow cards last year cost him a place in the Jubilee Cup final.

"That was a massive disappointment, but that's footy I suppose. Sometimes you don't get the rub of the green," he reflects.

Treeby's melancholy was short-lived as Tawa won the decider against Marist St Pats 24-20.

"In 2013 we beat everyone and genuinely believed we were the best team. Last year we started slowly, but once we built momentum the younger guys started to get that edge," Treeby acclaims.

Are Tawa on edge after two losses to start the 2017 Swindale Shield?

"The little things aren't quite gelling. Individuals are making mistakes they wouldn't normally make. We have the personal here and once things click we will win games." Treeby warns.

During the week Treeby is a personal trainer at Lifestyle Fitness in Porirua. Can he one day emulate brother Shaun Treeby in reaching professional rugby?

"I think the time for that has properly passed. I am in my thirties now and it would be hard to start a professional career at my age. I have got a lot out of the game and really enjoyed it. I got into the Wellington B's a few times and travelled the country. I have won the Jubilee Cup and made some great mates." Treeby concludes.

This Saturday Tawa plays Oriental-Rongotai at the Polo Ground, kick-off 2.45pm.