Whalers stand-off has wealth of experience

Otago Whalers standoff Vila Apuula (34) at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
Otago Whalers standoff Vila Apuula (34) at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh
Blue and gold are just the latest colours Vila Apuula has worn in a career in which he has played for some of rugby league’s most famous clubs.

The 34-year-old stand-off brings a wealth of experience to the Otago Whalers and will be key as the side plays the Wellington Orcas in the NZRL championship’s second division at Kettle Park today.

After winning their respective zones, both teams, alongside Bay of Plenty, are in the running to gain promotion to the championship’s top division.

Having begun his career in Wellington as a youngster, Apuula is familiar with what to expect today.

"I’m expecting big boys, but I think we’ll have the fitness and the structure over them.

"But other than that, I think it’ll be a tough game. I think they’ll bring it but, hopefully, our structure and our fitness can take it over the line."

It was in the capital that he got his break in the game, being coached by Gerard Stokes in the Wellington Bartercard Cup team.

As a 19-year-old he was selected for the New Zealand Residents team and toured England.

Upon returning, he secured a two-week trial with the Canberra Raiders through his manager, former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott.

The trial went well and Apuula received a full-time contract and played at centre for the club’s reserve grade side.

That exposed him to a high level of league, while he also got to train with the first team, which included the likes of Ruben Wiki and Tyrone Smith.

"It was full on, hectic, fast," he said.

"They’re more into fitness and structure, whereas in New Zealand we’re more physical. They teach you how to be a smarter player.

"You train with all the old heads and the big guns.

"It’s just an amazing feeling and it just helps fuel the fire."

He spent three years with the Raiders during an eight-year stint in Australia.

He also played reserve grade for the Wests Tigers, before moving north to Surfers Paradise.

He returned home about seven years ago, initially to Christchurch, where he played for the Canterbury Bulls.

However, after meeting his partner, Sarah Davie, in Otago he was lured south and has donned the Whalers jumper for the past three seasons.

A carpenter, he owns his own business, V-Sta Lining, which is going well.

He feels rugby league is doing well in Otago and is impressed with the talent that was around.

"I think it’s great. I think it’s growing.

"I think there’s a lot of hidden talent that hasn’t been touched.

"No-one’s really looking at them from the north, because no-one really takes a look at rugby league past Christchurch further south.

"So it’s good to get the eyes opening and starting to realise that there’s talent here.

"If we can go all the way it’ll be great for future players and players now to try and make it in the NRL if that’s their dream or what not.

"It’s just opening a door to bigger and better things."

With all of his experience, it should come as no surprise that it is his organisational skills that he feels are his strength.

"I’m a talker, I’m an organiser and I guess that’s probably my main strength.

"I love to organise. I’m pretty good at organising players and putting them in their spots and telling them where to go.

"I love to run the ball, but organising, communication, just getting everyone sorted, that would be my strong point.

'That’s what Dunedin needs. We’ve got a lot of good players, but we just need someone to point them in the right direction."

Today’s game kicks off at 2.30pm.

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