2 weeks Ago By James Gardiner
NEW Hunter Wildfires halfback Logan Love was in the stands in Yokohama when older brother Ruben made his debut for the All Blacks in September. Login or signup to continue reading A fullback, Ruben played off the bench, scoring two tries in 64-19 triumph over Japan last September. "The whole family flew over to Japan.
It was awesome," Love said. The experience also lit a fire in 22-year-old Logan. Only 18 months separates the brothers, who are extremely close.
They followed the same rugby path through Palmerston North High School on to the Wellington Hurricanes youth system. The younger sibling's progress was stalled by a series of injuries, most notably two shoulder reconstructions. "Growing up, I always wanted to be a Hurricane and an All Black.
" said Logan, whose dad Matene played for New Zealand Maori. "My journey has been different to my brother. I had a lot of injuries and missed that under-20s window.
"I played one season for the Hurricanes 20s. Then I had two shoulder surgeries. I feel like a transformer now.
I have two metal bolts holding them together. "The goal is to get back to professional rugby." After playing a full season for Marist St Pats in the Wellington competition last season, Love earned a call-up to the Manawatu squad for the National Provincial Championships.
One of three halfbacks alongside Super Rugby duo Jordi Viljoen, Luke Campbell, Love made three appearances off the bench for the Turboes. Love played alongside best mate and fellow Palmerston North High graduate Elyjah Crosswell at Manawatu. Crosswell, a breakaway, spent last season at the Wildfires and it didn't take much persuasion to get Love and fly-half Rihari Jobe to join him for 2025.
"I grew up with Elyjah. We have been best mates forever," Love said. "He loved Newcastle and wanted to come back.
He couldn't speak highly enough of the city, the people, the footy. Mainly the footy. The Shute Shield is a lot higher level than club rugby at home.
" Love will make his Shute Shield debut in the season opener against Warringah at No.2 Sportsground on Saturday. Crosswell will start at blindside breakaway.
"I came here to have a crack," Love said. "I'm really looking forward to playing Warringah on Saturday. From all reports, they are pretty good.
They play wide, long and fast. It will be a good test first up. "No-one knows me over here.
That is a big advantage." Love beat Tyzack Jordan and Jayvan Scarff for the No.9 jumper.
Nick Murray is sidelined for eight weeks after dislocating his elbow in the trial win against Western Sydney two weeks ago. Hunter Wildfires coach Scott Coleman is expecting big things from the Kiwi. "He is a kid who will go places," Coleman said.
"He works hard, trains hard and is an exciting footballer. "He is very quick off the mark, but he can also control a game. He has a good kicking game and has a really good pass.
" Hunter players will have extra incentive to gain NSW Country selection after confrimation on Monday that the city will host the Australian Rugby Shield (ARS). The best amateur men and women's players from NSW Country, NSW Suburban, Queensland Country, Queensland Suburban, ACT and Southern NSW (women), Tasmania (men), South Australia and Defence Forces will converge on Newcastle from October 1-5. "We are pleased to be partnering with City of Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union to deliver the ARS in 2025 and round out a huge year of rugby in the region, with both the Wallaroos and Wallabies to play test matches in the coming months," Rugby Australia Community Rugby Director Michael Procajlo said.
"We know the local community will enjoy watching the quality rugby that will be played throughout this tournament, and our visiting teams and supporters are excited to discover what is on offer in Newcastle." The Newcastle Herald r evelealed in February that Newcastle was in line for the ARS which is expected to inject nearly $1million into the local economy. "Newcastle is known for its love of sport and its proud rugby union history, so we are thrilled to be supporting the 2025 Australian Rugby Shield, which will bring hundreds of the country's best amateur rugby union players, their coaches, supporters and officials to Newcastle for the five-day tournament," City of Newcastle councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said.
"Hosting the Australian Rugby Shield will further enhance our reputation as an events city, provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase Newcastle's broader attractions to participants and visitors and deliver a significant economic boost to local businesses." NSW Country Cockatoos, which included Hunter players Rhys Bray, Lachy Milton, Dave Puchert, Nick Dobson, Tute Grant and Bernie Hati, went down 31-19 to Queensland Country in the final of the men's division last year. Jamie Lind has been appointed new Hunter coach and is on a mission to win the Country Championship in Tamworth on May 17.
"This is a terrific opportunity to showcase the Hunter and Newcastle as both a rugby and tourist destination," Hunter Rugby president James Slattery said. James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald. James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
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