Tawera Kerr-Barlow follows mum's lead
17th September 2009 01:17PM
By EVAN PEGDEN - Waikato Times
Tawera Kerr-Barlow grew up with his mother as his rugby idol.
So naturally there was a text before training yesterday to mother Gail, in Darwin, saying he had made the Waikato starting XV, for the first time in the Air New Zealand Cup and would play for the province on Waikato Stadium, also for the first time, tomorrow night against Wellington. A phone call was to follow later.
Kerr-Barlow, 19, earmarked as a halfback of exceptional promise for some time, was signed out of Hamilton Boys' High School last year when he was still 17.
Born in Australia of Kiwi parents, he grew up in Darwin where his mum, originally from Oparau near Kawhia, made the Australian women's team as a halfback in 1995 and 1996. "She's really happy for me and (my parents) have always been behind me. It was my mum who got me into rugby, going to watch her on Saturdays, and that's why I played halfback.
"She was my idol when I was younger oh, along with Jonah (Lomu). She was my inspiration and because she was a halfback I wanted to be a halfback."
Gail is related to former Waikato All Blacks Steve and Rob Gordon and, on Kerr-Barlow's father's side there is no lack of rugby league pedigree with uncle Tukere Barlow a former Warrington, New Zealand Maori and Waikato representative.
Kerr-Barlow grew up playing both codes because they had separate seasons in Darwin. He represented Northern Territory at under-13 level in league.
Because of his age (Kerr-Barlow turned 19 just last month), he was under New Zealand Rugby Union restrictions on playing time in the Air New Zealand Cup and was not selected originally in the Waikato cup squad. He has made three appearances off the bench after some early injury problems and now believes he is eligible to play out the season for the Mooloo men.
Kerr-Barlow is one of three changes to the Waikato starting XV. He comes in for Hautapu clubmate David Bason. Romana Graham returns at lock in place of Toby Lynn, who doesn't make the bench, and 19-year-old tight-head prop Latu Talakai gets his first start with Ben May (knee), Nathan White (back) and Kieran Ramage (shoulder) all injured.
Wellington coach Jamie Joseph yesterday surprised by naming first-five Fa'atonu Fili at fullback in place of Buxton Popoalii. Ged Robinson replaces Dane Coles at hooker, Mark Reddish switches from lock to the blind-side flanker, Api Naikatini starts at lock and Scott Fuglistaller is benched. John Schwalger slots in for Neemia Tialata at tighthead.
