To say hard work led 19-year-old heavy machinery operator Dylan Eti to his Waikato provincial rugby début would be an understatement.
Dylan Eti, surrounded by friends and family after his Waikato NPC début.
Dylan lives in Hamilton and works for Cambridge-based C & R Developments at the Graymont Oparure Quarry near Te Kūiti.
The Ōtorohanga-raised Hautapu lock started in the number five jersey at FMG Stadium on August 17, and played 80 minutes in the 27-26 win over Counties Manukau.
His family and friends were there to witness him don the red, yellow and black kit.
And he was among the try scorers as Waikato – for the third time in 13 years – lifted the Ranfurly Shield from neighbours Taranaki.
Becoming the 1268th Mooloo man meant more than words could express to the youngster.
He spoke to Good Local Media after his debut game.
“It meant a lot to see a bit of reward for all the hard work over the past few years. It was so good to get out and make my family proud,” Eti said. “The skill set was much higher than club rugby, at a rapid pace and the physicality was also a massive lift.”
Eti moved to St Peter’s in Cambridge for his final two years of secondary schooling after attending Ōtorohanga College.
Dylan Eti playing junior rugby for Ōtorohanga in 2016. Photo: Ōtorohanga Sports Club
While boarding in Cambridge, dad Kiso “Tee” Eti would take annual leave to pick him up for NPC training in Hamilton, then back to school before returning to Ōtorohanga.
After graduating, it made sense for him to continue playing club rugby with his friends in Cambridge.
Playing alongside clubmates – Hamilton Burr, Rui Farrant, Mitch Jacobson and Andrew Smith – helped the transition to NPC rugby.
“Those boys were very helpful in the lead up, it made it a lot easier to get stuck into it and back myself,” Dylan said.
Another familiar face was fellow Ōtorohanga product Taipari Quinn.
“It was really cool because we’re both from humble beginnings and have known each other from a very young age.”
Hautapu head coach Jackson Willison, also from Ōtorohanga, was “stoked” to see Eti’s progression.
Willison coached him at New Zealand Māori under-18, Waikato under-18, Chiefs under-20 and Hautapu.
He said Eti was probably their best player in the club rugby final against Hamilton Marist last month.
“He’s got a massive future in rugby,” Willison said. “It’s a big testament to his family. The support I see them give him has been unbelievable. They’re at every game of club rugby that he’s playing.”
Mum Janna Gray said it’s heartwarming to know the hard work is paying off.
“It hasn’t been an easy ride. So much goes on behind the scenes. He holds down a full-time job, trains and also goes to the gym at 4am so he can get to work at 7am,” Janna said.
“In his first year out of school. Dylan was leaving home at 3am to drive to FMG Stadium to go to the gym, driving to the quarry for work, then driving to Cambridge for training before coming home.
“I’d be asleep when he left and I’d be asleep when he came home. He did that for six months before he moved to Hamilton.
“His dedication to his work is pretty special, like his rugby career, he really puts in the hard yards. He’s had that support to be able to do both too. His boss lets him and he doesn’t take that for granted.”
Dylan’s parents can see the connection he has with Waikato head coach and former All Blacks lock Ross “Flossy” Filipo.
“We love that Flossy has taken him under his wing. He’s got a lot of time for him,” Janna said.
Before his Waikato debut, Janna texted Dylan saying simply “enjoy your game son”.
“We’re so stoked for him. It was so humbling to see him go out there, go well and play his own game.”
Hautapu head coach Jackson Willison said Dylan was one of their best in the club final. Photo: Matt Gould
