Toni 'punt' Manase

DOB: ?
Born: ?
Nickname: Jandle
Position: Half back, First five, 2nd five
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Toni was a late inclusion to the team in 2008. It took some convincing to place his professional golf carrier on hold to represent OBU-Onslow, however with his wife training at Nairnville at the same time he was fast running out of excuses. Toni has previously played rugby at a senior level for West and brings a huge amount of rugby knowledge into the team. Toni has a natural talent however he plays the game with intelligence, reading the game like a book and sighting gaps before they appear.

Vaughan ‘another prop!’ Smith

Suburb:
DOB: 18/06/1984
Born:
Nickname:
Position: Prop/ resevre Hooker
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Recruited through Pete Bakker, Vaughan has come from Petone to join the OBU-Onslow team. His first game in the pre-season, gave a good indication that there is going to be an abundance of props (you can never have to many props and locks!) and good ones at that too!

Jerome 'Harry Potter' Churchman

Suburb: Churton Park
DOB: 05/11/1981
Born: ?
Nickname: Harry Potter
Position: Loose forward/Lock
Tries 2008: 2
Profile: New to the team in 2008 and recruited by Andy, Jerome has started off the season in a promising way. The toughest critic on Jerome is going to be himself. In his first competition game against Eastbourne Jerome was a stand out. He will play well in either the locking position, or loose fowards. Jerome has been a good find for the off season.

Joel Binnie

Suburb:
Nickname:
Profile: Joel will be assisting the team in a Coordinator role for the OBU-Onslow 80/80 team

Dan 'cut' McCormack

Suburb: Kelburn
DOB: 19/04/87
Born: Napier
Nickname: D- Mac
Position: Prop
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Dan 'cut' McCormack, winger come prop! Dan started out on the wings in his first season out from Colts, but always being short a prop and not always guaranteed a starting spot on the wing, Dan was quick to put his hand up to play in the front row! Now if you ask him to play anywhere else he just give you a funny look and walks away. Dan ability in the front row has grown year in year out. His tireless work around the field is second to none. He is always one of the first at a breakdown and seems to place himself in the right place at the right time.

Miles Fleming

Suburb:
Nickname:
Profile: Miles has given his time to support Warwick in a coaching capacity.

Warwick Binnie - Coach

Suburb: Paramata-Plimerton
Nickname:
Profile: 2008 is Warwick’s first year coaching a rugby team. He answered OBU-Onslow’s SOS when they were found coach-less at the beginning of the year. His calm/analytical approach has complemented the team well.

Josh 'wheels' Williams

Suburb: Khandallah
DOB: 22/06/82
Born: Wellington
Nickname:
Position: Wing
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: New to OBU-Onslow and Wellington in 2008, Josh is establishing him self as the pace-man in the team.

Ben ‘mean Maori mean’ Whanga

DOB: ?
Born: ?
Nickname:
Position: Flanker
Tries 2008: 4
Profile: Ben Whanga just seems to have no faults! A brilliant openside, this will be Whanga’s last season as he is off to Ireland to pursue the big money. It is no surprise that the Irish came knocking for his services, he is outstanding in all areas, of attack and defence. His ability to turn the ball over after the tackle has been made and create opportunities on attack puts Whanga into a league of his own.

Ben 'flick the birdy' Pomare

Suburb: Wellington
DOB: ?
Born: ?
Nickname: Poms
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: The mouth and joker of the team, Poms has gracefully moved from being on the sideline to commanding a starting spot. His Norm Maxwell like workload and his Ian Jones agility in the lineout makes Poms a hard player to put down.

Darv Gaebler

Suburb:
DOB:
Born:
NickName:
Position: Lock
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Currently MIA in Papua New Guinea, doubtful for 2008 season.

John Bradbury

Suburb:
DOB:
Born:
Nickname:
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: New to OBU-Onslow 2008, John has yet had a chance to consistently play for OBU-Onslow due to Uni commitments

Mike Palmer

Suburb: Upper Hutt
DOB:
Born:
Nickname: Palms
Position: Forwards
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Another new recruit to OBU-Onslow in 2008 Mike has made himself at home as a regular in the forward unit. A versatile player, Mike could be seen in Prop, Lock and loose forward in one match. The ability to play in many positions has meant Mike as a wide range of skills and fitness. Its unfortunate that Mikes work commitments have made it unfeasible to attend trainings and more importantly court sessions but his commitment is huge once one the field.

Thurston 'pass it!' Patu

Suburb: Khandallah
DOB:
Born:
Nickname:
Position: Backs
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: A true “Smash him bro” player, Thurston is a lethal weapon when running straight hard lines. His tackling technique has been known to be dubious at times and has earned him a few words from ref’s from time to time however there is no doubt that when he does connect the opposition is always the last to drag themselves off the ground.

Graeme Brooking

Suburb: Broadmeadows
Nickname: 'G-Dog'
Profile: Graeme is the Manager of OBU-Onslow 80/80 and has been for years. He bleeds OBU and has been pivotal in the clubs success. Graeme is one of the guys that have held the team together, by washing the team jerseys, organising enrolment and informing the union of results.

James 'Make mine a Speights' Livingston

Suburb: Wellington CBD
DOB:
Born:
Nickname: Speight's Man
Position: Anywhere in the backs
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: James is back after his sabbatical in Europe last year. However work commitments have prevented James from attending the majority of trainings and games in 2008. James always gives it 100% at game time and is confidence and communication is second to none. James versatility has is all-round skills is a massive bonus and it has seen him play in just about all positions in the back line.

Blair 'pin your ears back' Parkinson

Suburb: Wellington, CBD
DOB:
Born:
Nickname:
Position: Wing
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Blair took a year off rugby in 2007. He’s a quick winger with an upright running style akin to Brent Tate.

Ben Nielsen

DOB:
Born:
Nickname:
Position: Wing
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Ben is a confrontational winger who continually runs hard at the opposition with ball in hand. Ben is not adverse from looking for work when it’s not coming his way. That work rate has enabled him to play consistently during the 2008 season

Arthur Flux

Suburb: Raumati
DOB:
Born:
Position: Back Row
Nickname:
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: On the filed Ardie is one of the hard men of the pack, his no nonsense approach makes no friends amongst the opposition. However off the field he's one of the lads, his guitar and singing skills have been an end of season fixture. Ardie had a barnstorming 2007 season, either running off the back of a scrum or around the fringes of a ruck Ardie aways made yards.. Unfortunately injury cut him late in the season and OBU were without one of there go to men. Ardie is now living up the coast so making trainings and games maybe an issue..

Lavy 'stories' Arashad

Suburb: J'ville
DOB: 23/12/1983
Born: Thailand
NickName: Stories, Gravy
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Never one to be modest, Lavy is not your typical Camodian. Lavy 'stories' Arashad, is a hard, upright running number 8/center. Always happy to back himself, Lavy likes to get amongst it. For the past two seasons, Lavy has seen himself move from the centers to the loosies, week in week out. He can be destructive in both areas but would be good this year to see him cement a permanent postition. Lavy is the guy to go to when the game needs to be straightened up.

Lachlan Blackburn

Suburb:
DOB:
Born:
NickName:
Position: Halfback/Fullback/Wing
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: In 2006 Lachan had a serous break to his arm in the first warm up game which ruled him out for most of the season.. He came back strong in 2007 plying his trade at half back admirably.

Gary ‘do I have to play prop’ Matthews

Suburb: Wellington
DOB:
Born: Rotorua
NickName: Gaz
Position: Front Row/Forwards
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Gary has come along way in the past three seasons and this year it is looking to be another big one. Like Dan, Gary started on the wing, due to his huge muscular frame was move into the front row at loose head. It didn’t take long for Gary to learn the front row and he walks away from every game knowing he just keeps getting better and better! He is not only strong at scrum time but is destructive from the pick and goes! This is shaping to be a great year for Gary lets hope he can stay committed for long enough.

Harley 'vertical' Mathews

Suburb: Wellington
DOB:
Born: Rotorua
Nickname:
Position: Centre's
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Missing in Action for the start of the season due to a broken hand Harley has yet play in 2008. Not known for his distribution skills Harley is more at home tearing holes in opposition with brute force.

Taylor 'America fuck yeah!' Pressly

Suburb:
DOB:
Born: America FUCK YEAH!!
NickName:
Position: Wing
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Taylor was picked up from the USA in the 2005 draft, he quickly picked up the game and settled in on the wing. His offensive ability was always his trump card with hard running and quick thinking however in 2007 Taylor introduced the offensive tackle into his rugby repatour and consistently came off his wing to make some impressive hits.

Simon ‘Roy (Asotasi)’ Wright

Suburb:
DOB:
Born:
Nickname: Munro, Roy (Asotasi)
Position: Front Row
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: An anchor when it comes to scum time, Simon has the technique and the power to lay a great platform for the forwards. Simon puts in solid performances Week in, week out.

OBU-Onslow have taken advantage of Simon’s generosity and position at Lion Nathan to secure team bags, training jackets, beanies and the occasional beer after a game for the team. Cheers big guy!

Mike 'under 10 seconds' Cederwall

Suburb: Wellington
DOB: 17/04/1983
Born:
Nickname:
Position: 1st five, Half back
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: One of the infamous 'Everton' crew Mike is a core player in the OBU-Onslow team. When Mikey is playing well the whole back line plays well. Much like Stephen Larkham Mike seems to have more time than other players when he has the ball in hand, glides through gaps and send his team mates into holes with immaculately timed passes.

Robbie 'inside man' Taylor

Suburb:
DOB: 1985
Born:
NickName:
Position: Anywhere in the forwards
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: Robbie has played nearly everywhere in the forwards. Number 8, open, blind, lock, even prop, the only place he has not played is hooker. He's Captained the team in 2007 several times when Andy was injured. Another work horse in the Jono Gibbes mold, Robbie does what he does and does it well. He's no flashy player, but he will go about helping the team and doing what needs to be done. Robbie is best suited at either blindside or at number 8. Another go to man, Robbie will always put the team first above his own wants and desires.

Mark 'filthy' Berney

Suburb: Churton Park
DOB: 22/12/1977
Born: Nae Nae fo lyfe
NickName: Berney, Filthy
Position: Front Row
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: Still being chased by his old club Avalon, Berney has chosen to stick it out with OBU-Onslow for this season. Boasting 120kg last year, Berney has trained hard and is now weighing in at around 80kg! A veteran of the front row, Berney is now been placed into the locking position and finds himself jumping at number 2. He hasn't lost any mongrel, and seems 'Filthy' can have several meaning behind it! Berney is a born leader, by example and through his oragnisational skills. He will never take a step back and expects the same from all other team mates.

Pete 'spiderman' Bakker

Suburb: ?
DOB: 22/10/1984
Born: ?
NickName: Peter Parker
Position: Loose Forward
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: Pete was recruited to OBU-Onslow in 2007. As a specialist openside, it was hard for Pete to make the team first up as having a player like Whanga in the team, means you will not always be able to make the starting line up. But in a rear moment, Whanga went down for a couple of games giving Pete the opportuinty to stamp his mark, and he took this with both hands. To get this guy on the field he was moved to the blind, where he pplayed most of his rugby last season with great effectiveness. This is going to be another big season for Pete, hopefully work commitments won't keep him out of the game ofr too long!

Shane 'play anywhere' Binnie

Suburb: Paramata-Plimerton
DOB:
Born:
Nickname:
Position: Outside back
Tries 2008: 2
Profile: Shane is one of the true team players in OBU-Onslow outfit, there’s not much he wouldn't do for the team. He's a great asset on the field combining huge amount skills that have seen him in most positions in the back line. Not only is Shane a great organiser on the field, he’s a great organiser off the field, securing a coach and sponsorship for the team.

Ryan 'nails' Mayer

Suburb: Newtown
DOB:
Born: Wellington
Nickname: His position says it all
Position: Hooker
Tries 2008: 1
Profile: Ryan 'nails' Mayer is one of the season campaigners for OBU-Onslow, playing well over 100 games for the club. Ryan was one of the foundation Eastbourne-Onslow 80/80 players and this will be this 10th year in the infamous Rabbiots colours. Ryan has a good reputation in the 80/80 grade hitting well above his weight, and is never one to shy away when the handbags are thrown. This has meant he has spent more than his fair share behind the post. When the heat is on its always good to know that Ryan is on your team.

Craig ‘I put weight on during the season’ Fitzgerald

Suburb: Wadestown
DOB: 05/05/1981
Born: Wellington
NickName: Moose
Position: Lock
Tries 2008:0
Profile: New recruit to last season, and after deciding that Wellington was a better place to live then the Waikato Craig has rejoined the team! It did not take long for Craig stamp his mark early last season. Unfortuately he broke his collar bone against Eastbourne ruling him out of rugby for 6 weeks. He came back in the second round as strong as every. Away in South America for the first round, it won't take long for him to push his way into the starting line this season either.

Ben 'high balls' Bakker

Suburb:
DOB: 21/05/1981
Born:
Nickname: Ben ‘Ginga’
Position: Outside back - Fullback
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: 2007 was Ben’s first season playing rugby and after a slow start he cemented himself in the team in full back with some devastating runs from full back. Ben’s size and deceptively quick pace has established him as one of the main offensive weapons within the team. This year Ben has developed a kicking game to become a more all-round player, it would be fair to say he would have one of the biggest boot on him in any grade.

Akio 'Godfather' Shigeeda

Mobile Number:
Email Address: thehotelbristol@xtra.co.nz
Suburb:
DOB: 16/11/1978
Born: Wellington
NickName:
Position: Front Row
Tries 2008: 0
Profile: As the name suggests Akio ‘Godfather’ Shigeea is seasoned rugby player within the team. Akio wrote the book on solid scrimmaging and knows more tricks to better his opposition than most in Wellington rugby. Akio’s temper is legendary and he has been known to fire up when the red mist descends. However this aggression has been harness and when he’s on the rampage he’s near unstoppable. Akio is a great motivator of the team and whether he’s on or off the field he continues to support and encourage the team members.

Akio and The Hotel Bristol are generous sponsors OBU-Onslow and have been for the last 3 years. Thanks from all the team!

Willie 'steps' Barber

Suburb: Ngaio
DOB: 13/06/1979
Born: Bristol, UK
Nickname: Barbie, Barbs
Position: Backs -Anywhere
Tries 2008: 2
Profile: A Burst Appendix and the imminent operation put Willie’s first season playing for OBU-Onslow on hold. Willie played premier rugby directly after school for Johnsonville and sustained over 100 caps for the club. Willie’s direct running and ability to stay on his feet in tackles remains a constant threat to opposition.

Andrew Carnegie

Mobile Number:
Email Address: carneyhands@yahoo.com
Social Network Service:
Suburb:
DOB: 17/08/1979
Born: Dunedin
NickName: Carneyhands, Carney
Position: Inside or Outside Centre
Tries 2008: 2
Profile: Andrew 'Captain Cripple' Carnegie, is the back bone behind the team. Always about the team, Carney is the most modest player you will ever meet. With a go hard attitude, he plays to win every time he steps onto the field, and expects nothing less for the rest of his team mates.

Carney is an experienced campaigner, with seasons of knowledge behind him. He takes every mistake made in a game and builds on it, ensuring he never makes the same mistake twice. It's good to know that when things get tough, you can turn to a player like Carney to get the boys back on the right track.