Page 21 - Ed2 League Lens Draft 3
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“Everyone got into what John
was selling, especially when
results started flowing, he
sets very high standards, we
worked hard and trained the
basics really well.
“He is big on doing the little
stuff right, putting players
where he thinks they can do
the job.
“Taking out the Sharman Cup
last year helped bring a
winning culture back to
“He has been very mindful of term injury, leaving a young Otahuhu, the club is alive
the rivalry between Mt Albert playing side in 2017. again.”
and Otahuhu, and wouldn’t
get caught up in any debates “There was a lot of pressure Back in the Fox
about it,” Dumper said. to bring the club back,
especially knowing guys like
“A lot of people were Mark Graham, Hugh McGahan Ahead of the 2018 season,
surprised, but although he is and Ruben Wiki wore the Otahuhu are back on board
a dead set lion, he’s one with jersey before me,” he said. the Fox train and a new ride
maybe a few spots on his tail begins.
now.”
“Now it’s about staying here,
“A lot of people were we have watched clubs go up
The Rebuild surprised, but although he is and back down, we don’t
a dead set lion, he’s one with want that to happen again,
maybe a few spots on his tail
Dumper said the appointment now.” so we must plan ahead and
of a good leadership group get back to doing things on a
and a balance in player long term basis,” Dumper
experience was key to “But it grew on me, I’ve said.
getting back to a winning never captained a side like
side. Otahuhu, arguably the “I’m sure other clubs in
greatest club in New Auckland are happy to see
“You can’t bring in too many Zealand.” Otahuhu back in the Fox, and
players from outside the we hope we presented
club, but we will if we don’t By the end of 2017, the ourselves well in Sharman.
have what is needed,” she Leopards had redeemed
said. themselves. Back in the Fox, “We were truly humbled by
with Purcell crediting the Papatoetoe Panthers,
“You also have to have the Ackland for the who spoke about how great it
right coach that can identify transformation. was to have our teams play
talent, can draw new each other for the first time
players, who can “I can’t stress enough how ever, and the Pakuranga
communicate well with the important John was, he’s an Jaguars who beat us at their
club and is confident in his awesome coach and with his home ground.”
ability.” background, all the boys
have respect for him, he Otahuhu will open their
Twenty-year-old Connor knows what he’s talking campaign against the Marist
Purcell’s selection as captain about,” Purcell said. Saints before taking on the
was made after the team had Howick Hornets in the second
lost Turuwhenua to a long- round.
