There is no skirting around size when it comes time to discuss Ben Palmer, the dynamic English first five-eighth playing for North Otago in the Heartland Championship.
At just 1.7m and 82kg, the pocket rocket (first cliche) is adept at punching above his weight (second) and is walking proof that good things come in small packages (third, and that will be it).
''When I was at primary school, I was probably one of the tallest kids. It wasn't until secondary school that I stopped and everyone else kept growing.
''It motivates you a bit, especially when big guys run at you and you can tell they're thinking they will just run over you.''
Palmer, who turned 22 on Monday, has been one of the bright spots in a rather frustrating season for the Old Golds.
He has usurped Dunedin import Stephen Fenemor as the starting No 10 for the Old Golds, kicked his goals and impressed with his bravery and willingness to attack the line.
''I'm massively pleased with how things have gone for me,'' Palmer said.
''When I first came here, I hoped to play for North Otago, but didn't think I'd get to this point where I've had consecutive starts.''
Palmer hails from Coventry, where his father played semi-professional football but Palmer followed an older brother into rugby.
At 16, he was picked up by the Worcester Warriors, and spent three years in their academy - they also paid for him to study at the University of Worcester - before playing club rugby for Bromsgrove.
The North Otago link came about through a friend, TJ Harris, who played in Oamaru last year and put Palmer in touch with chief executive Colin Jackson.
Following in the footsteps of the likes of fellow Englishmen Tom Wood, who has gone on to captain his country, and Ben Patston has been enjoyable.
''It's nice. It's definitely quiet. I wasn't looking for a party lifestyle. I just wanted to concentrate on rugby and made the most of this experience.''
Palmer will head back to England after the Heartland Championship but has committed to come back to play for the Athletic Marist club again next year.
Before that, he and his North Otago team-mates have a chance to finish the season strongly when they head to Timaru for a Lochore Cup semifinal tomorrow.
Palmer has been in the province long enough to appreciate the intensity of the rivalry with South Canterbury - ''It's massive'' - but will miss the chance to engage in some friendly banter with a family member.
His brother, winger/fullback Josh, has been playing for South Canterbury this year but broke a bone in his hand and returned to England.
North Otago has not had a brilliant season but Palmer believes it can still end with some silverware.
''We've got a lot of ability, and some unbelievable players. But we haven't been able to play with any consistency.
''I can't really put my finger on it. It comes in patches. But hopefully, in the next two weeks, we'll produce our best rugby.''
