Peato Lafaele cashing in on 200 games for Norths this weekend

After a century of games for Poneke in the mid to late 1990s, Peato Lafaele will celebrate his 200th game for Northern United when they host Hutt Old Boys Marist in the Hardham Cup this Saturday at Jerry Collins Stadium.

In 1996 Poneke won the bucqui Jubilee Cup. A year later they were demoted to the Hardham Cup. Such a quick fall from grace was a lot to take in for then wide-eyed rookie Peato Lafaele.

"I remember we lost our final game in the Swindale Shield and went back to the dressing room. There were kegs upon kegs of beer just waiting for us. I can't even remember if we went to the after match," Lafaele laughs.

Poneke recovered to win the Hardman Cup that season and featured in two of the next three Jubilee Cup deciders. Ultimate glory eluded the Red and Blacks in this period.

"The most disappointing loss was in 1999 to Marist St Pat's. That was the last ever club game played at Athletic Park," Lafaele recalls.

The photo on the back page of the Dominion the day after the final showed Poneke fullback Lafaele diving in vain to make a tackle in the 16-22 loss.

A lot has changed in 19 years.

"I think the competition was harder in a physical sense back then. Guys like Richard Watt, Doug Power, the Moananu brothers and Frank Rees were incredibly hard men, old fashioned, but honourable and hard. Today the game is quicker and more technical. I think some of the younger guys aren't as loyal," Lafaele observes.

Lafaele insists drinking is more restrained too, but there has been plenty to crow about in his long career with Norths.

Lafaele's career at Norths started in 2002 at the persuasion of then Premier coach Frank Rees and ties with his old school Bishop Viard College.

He has been involved in four Jubilee Cup and six Swindale Shield victories.

In 2003 the club broke through with its first Swindale Shield win. Between 2004 and 2011 Norths won 133 out of 180 games and produced internationals Jerry Collins, Tamati Ellison, John Schwalger, Alapati Leiua, Anthony Perenise, Serge Lilo, Faifili Levave, Api Naikatini, James So'oialo, Tomasi Palu, Sinoti Sinoti and TJ Perenara, as well as a host of exciting players such as Buxton Popoalii. Lafaele played with them all.

In 2006 Lafaele was vice captain and the top points scorer in Premier Rugby with 192 as Norths won the double for the first time. The most points he has ever scored in a single match is 25 against Ories in the 2007 Swindale Shield.

"I think the most memorable games are the Jubilee Cup finals. They are the culmination of a season's hard work. They are what you aspire to as a player. Nothing beats winning the Jubilee Cup. The first one against my old club Poneke in 2004 was especially sweet," Lafaele says.

Lafaele's career is winding down, but he still has lots to offer the young players coming through and the competition. He only played six games in 2015 and was initially reluctant to carry on this season, but a family member has inspired him to stay in the game.

"Gerard Faitotoa is my nephew and watching him play has given me a new lease of life. I could go on for a few more years yet. I want to help out some of the young fellas at the club. We have been through some tough times recently but we have a lot of talent and a good culture so I am optimistic about the future of the club," Lafaele enthuses.

Lafaele is employed by the Ministry of Education and is involved extensively with youth and church.

His nickname of 'Cash' comes from the Poneke days where the players used to quip about 'getting the cash.' They also shared a fondness for Johnny Cash.