Pili powers to prestigious medal

Above: Northern United No. 8 Peter Pili (front right) follows the action closely during last Saturday's 22-20 win over Petone. Teammate Parekura Lalaga and Petone's Jake Quinn (in headgear) and Mateaki Kafatolu look on. 

"I wasn't listening. I was having a yarn with my brother to be honest," Peter Pili admits when it was announced he was the second winner of the Collins Memorial Medal on Saturday. 

A Player of the Match award for the Norths against Petone premier fixture was introduced in 2017 to acknowledge the contribution of Willie Collins (Petone) and Jerry Collins (Norths) to their respective clubs. 

Pili joined teammate Quaid Martin-Laumatia as a fellow Norths recipient of the prize. Last year the former St Pat’s Town player scored two tries in Norths 25-19 win. Pili, despite failing to cross the chalk, was an equally vital cog in Norths 22-20 triumph four days ago, but the modest flanker doesn't see it that way.

"It was an honour to to win the medal, but I thought I had an average game. I wasn't even on the field when the winning try was scored," Pili reveals. 

Norths trailed 20-15 in the 79th minute. Leon Ellison changed that scoreline with the last play of the game, thrusting through the Villagers defence for a try after an attacking lineout and then converting from a handy position for a narrow victory. 

"The senior players showed great leadership when we were down. Having Leon Ellison at the club is big for us. He brings a lot of experience," Pili acclaimed. 

Pili brings exuberance and aggression. His bustling runs and abrasive defence were essential in Norths’ win, but unfortunately, he will miss the next fortnight with an ankle injury, a minor setback for a player with a battered body. 

"I missed a lot of last year due to a shoulder surgery. The shoulder is good now, but injuries have been pretty frustrating," Pili moans.

Pili was a Wellington U19 representative in 2015 and two years earlier captained the Porirua College First XV which featured his brothers Stewart and Tuohy who are both loose forwards. This remarkably meant Porirua featured triplets on the flanks, a feat that saw the family featured on National news and a story that was even picked up internationally. 

"I didn't think it was a big deal. I just did the interview and forgot about it, but I would be lying if we didn't try to use it to our advantage," Pili laughs.

Stewart is presently playing for the Premier Reserves, Tuohy is a foreman in Sydney and Peter works on the wharf. Mum is an early childcare teacher and Dad is a welder.  

Norths won seven of their first eight games in the Swindale Shield last year before cooling in the Jubilee Cup. Harsh lessons have been learned.

"We've got more experience this season. We can't get too far ahead of ourselves." Pili cautions. 
Hurricane Jackson Garden-Bachop and former All Black Tamati Ellison are regulars at Norths training, adding further expertise and steel for the blue and whites. 

This Saturday, Norths hosts Hutt Old Boys Marist in round two of the Swindale Shield at Jerry Collins Stadium. Despite his absence, Pili provides the following analysis. 

"It'll be pretty tough. Hutt had a smashing win against the Rams, but we'll be firing for our first home game of the season."

In 2017 both clubs split honours one each in high scoring affairs. Hutt won the Swindale Shield encounter 36-31 while Norths prevailed 48-29 in the Jubilee Cup.

This weekend’s second round Jubilee Cup teams will be named on Friday.