FAMILY is priority one in the life of Nelson Bay’s legendary rugby forward Zion Takarua.
When the personality-filled Kiwi prop chalked up his 100th senior match for the Gropers in the recent 56-14 victory over the Muswellbrook Heelers on Senior Old Boys Day, the proudest spectator at Bill Strong Oval was mum Ngarongoa Poaneki-Temono who had travelled from across the Tasman to celebrate the occasion.
Prior to the first grade kick off, she presented her son with his 100 game jumper and spoke fondly of Zion’s early career in the small North Island town of Shannon.
The Gropers’ stalwart grew up playing for the historic Shannon Community Rugby Club, which was formed in 1899, before emigrating to Australia in 2012.
Zion had brief stints with both the Wanderers and Hamilton rugby clubs in Newcastle before joining the Gropers and establishing a fine career in the Hunter Suburban Rugby competition.
Also at the ground to mark the special milestone was Zion’s teenage son Raumanuka, a promising fullback with the Nelson Bay Junior Under 18s team.
Playing in a curtain-raiser to the main game, young Raumanuka proudly wore Nan on his wristband to honour his grandmother who had flown out from New Zealand for the emotional family reunion.
He didn’t disappoint – scoring a brilliant try and later leading a rousing version of the haka along with club legends Adam Edwards and Michael Wiringi in the Nelson Bay dressing shed post match.
Zion was one of two Nelson Bay legends to join a select band in the 100 Club along with Gropers’ skipper Sam Rocher.
He received his 100 games jacket from the experienced Edwards, a tough Kiwi forward with 245 matches under his belt.
Keen judges regard the rampaging Takarua as one of the toughest Nelson Bay players to have ever laced on a boot.
The fearless prop took on the Nelson Bay Head Coaching role last season and guided the club to the Presidents Cup first grade semi finals.
Takarua is no stranger to coaching.
He enjoyed a three year stint with Medowie Rugby Club – leading them to a Divisional Major premiership triumph in 2020 before taking on the player coach role in 2022 and guiding the Marauders to Divisional Minor Premiership honours.
Zion transferred back to Nelson Bay in 2023 and played a key role in the Gropers’ undefeated minor premiership and Grand Final-winning double.
He continues to nurture the club’s new generation of forwards on the art of scrummaging, defensive technique and ball play.
With his blockbusting runs and leadership qualities, the giant prop has proved a valuable member of the much vaunted Gropers squad that is chasing premiership honours in 2026.
By Chris KARAS
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