LIKE a good wine, Nelson Bay Gropers rugby workhorse Adam Edwards gets better with age.
The 37-year-old veteran Kiwi lock is in vintage form in the Hunter Suburban Men’s Rugby competition and is a vital cog in the club’s Presidents Cup first grade finals charge.
Relishing his role as team leader, the evergreen Edwards has produced inspirational performances this season for coach Zion Takarua’s revamped squad, who are entrenched in third spot on the premiership ladder.
The former Hunter Wildfires representative skipper has proved a mainstay for the Gropers at number eight, adding vast experience to a youthful forward pack that has captured the imagination of the local rugby public with their courage and skill.
A delighted Takarua told News Of The Area that the industrious Edwards was one of a group of club stalwarts that “complemented” the Gropers’ youth brigade.
“We are fortunate to still have the services of experienced campaigners like Adam, centre Michael Hotene, flanker Sam Rocher, hooker Ross Buchan, prop Nathan McLeay and fullback Willy Dunn who are crucial to our title hopes,” said Takarua, another legendary Gropers forward who still laces up the boots at the age of 37 whenever required.
“Adam is such an inspirational skipper who leads by example with non-stop efforts, and mixes it with the best each week in Hunter Suburban Rugby.”
With Nelson Bay registering forfeit wins over Newcastle Griffins and Muswellbrook Heelers in recent weeks, a refreshed Edwards is eager for a return to the thick of the on-field action.
The high flying Gropers face the Griffins this Saturday afternoon at Mayfield’s Dangar Park at 3pm with the Kiwi iron man ready to roll.
Not only does tough tackling Adam enjoy locking horns with rival forward packs at a senior level but he also knows the importance of grassroots rugby in the region.
When the dedicated Edwards isn’t skittling rivals with a bone-jarring tackle, crashing his way through defensive lines or backing up teammates in open play, he can be found coaching the Nelson Bay Under 10s squad in the Hunter Junior Rugby ranks.
By Chris KARAS
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