When age grade rugby star Harry Inch jumped in his ute and headed to Auckland last month, he wanted to try something different.
Taking up a two-year contract with the One New Zealand Warriors was certainly getting out of the comfort zone for Brightwater’s former Nelson College 1st XV captain.
The Warriors had approached him last year about a code switch but the first five had no regrets staying with rugby at that stage and enjoyed his pre-season time with the Crusaders.
But when Harry didn’t see game time with the Tasman Mako NPC side, the Warriors came calling again for the 19-year-old and snapped him up for their U21 Jersey Flegg squad.
“His style appealed to us as he was a different type of rugby union player. Harry is a real ball runner, can pass, kick and is very tough,” declares Warriors development and pathways general manager, Andrew McFadden.
Harry had hoped to go flatting in Auckland with his former teammate Ollie Gibbons, but the halfback didn’t make the move. So, did he know anyone up there?
“I have a 27-year-old sister who is an Air New Zealand flight attendant based there,” says Harry, who has settled into the Warriors’ house in Blockhouse Bay.
“There are eight of us young players there.” And a “house parent” to ensure there is always food available.
It is just 15 minutes to the Warriors’ Penrose base or double that in heavy traffic.
“I thought it was busy in Christchurch, but this is a whole different kettle of fish in Auckland,” notes Harry.
The former New Zealand Schools playmaker has been training alongside the NRL squad five days a week since his arrival on 5 November.
“They are long days. For example, on a Monday it is a 7am start for speed drills, then indoors for wrestling and then on to the gym. After a graze there is a field session of up to two hours and then a chat with the coaches. You just have to grit your teeth and get through it,” says Harry, who is enjoying the structure.
While the Mako viewed the playmaker as a second five, he is seen in his preferred five-eighth role at the Warriors.
"Obviously I have noticed a lot of little differences to rugby, especially the passing and kicking styles. And the ball’s bigger.”
He has made the most of his weekends off with trips to Waiheke Island and Whangarei along the coastal route.
Surf spot Piha Beach also got the once over. “I wouldn’t mind having a go at surfing,” he quips.
Harry already has a new Aussie mate. “He’s a good rooster”.
And given Harry’s mullet, it is probably no surprise he’s had some hair conversations with first grade veteran Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, whose flowing locks have made him a cult figure. They could be the new “hair bears” more than 20 years after Kiwi forwards Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao gained a huge following at Penrith.
DWZ made his first grade debut for that West Sydney club at just 18.
“We will give Harry plenty of time to the learn the game. He will be exposed to elite coaches and players, and if he exceeds expectations who knows what might happen,” confirms Andrew.
He points out that second rower Leka Halasima was fast- tracked into first grade at just 19, the same age Andrew made his premier debut for the Canberra Raiders as a halfback. Harry is also an avid hunter but hasn’t had the chance to get out in the ranges around Auckland.
“I am hoping to get up in the hills when I come home for Christmas.” Then it is back to Auckland where he will switch to train with the U21 squad, just twice a week, and also try to find a part-time job.
“A gig at a butchery shop would be good. I could upskill,” says Harry, who put his Lincoln University studies on hold when he became a professional sportsman.
