Hawthorn recently played host to International Scholarship holder Rhys Panui-Leth and his parents Luke and Marion as the youngster undertook testing and skills training with the Hawks.
On a trans-Tasman visit to Waverley Park, the 16-year old New Zealand native chronicled his involvement with the Hawks thus-far.
“About three years ago I was approached by a school teacher telling me they were putting together an Aussie rules school team. He asked me if I wanted to give it a go, and after I had a think over it I ended up going for it,” he told hawthornfc.com.au.
A good mate of the Hawks’ first Kiwi scholarship holder Kurt Heatherley, Rhys played representative rugby and had a career carved out for him but came to the decision to pursue a career in AFL.
His father, Luke, was initially hesitant at Rhys’ decision to turn his back on rugby, but things turned around swiftly.
“He had a taste of AFL and his decision was made. He loved the game.
“Rhys has put AFL on the map in our area; everybody is asking how he is, and how his Aussie rules is going.
“People are fascinated at Rhys’ decision to play, but he could see he had a future in it.
“It was a huge step for me as a father to accept his decision. He’s opened my eyes. I take my hat off to him for the decisions he’s made.”
While rugby is still the dominant sport in New Zealand, in Rhys’ hometown of Kakanui - a small harbour region in the north of Auckland - AFL is gaining momentum, with many New Zealand Hawks players participating in the HANZ-Up! AFL Program, getting young athletes excited about a new approach to “footy”.
A Hawks fan, Rhys admits the player he most admires is Lance Franklin, who he hopes to one day emanate in the forward-line.
“I like the way Buddy marks and kicks great goals, his overhead marks are so strong.
“When I play for the New Zealand Hawks I’m all over the place as a utility, but I enjoy half-forward the most. I like the freedom to run.”
“I’m still playing club rugby and enjoying it, but other than that, it’s just (Aussie rules) footy at the moment.
“It’s my number one sport.”
The Hawks' third scholarship player from New Zealand - Shem Tatupu from Auckland - will also be at Waverley Park to train with the Hawks in coming months, stay tuned to hawthornfc.com.au for updates.
