Josh Aperahama-Paenganui dots down for a try in his 50th game for Wakatipu earlier this season. PHOTO: JAMES ALLAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Five questions for Wakatipu No 8 Josh Aperahama-Paenganui.

1. Favourite rugby memory?

My first premier game in Wellington. Tawa v Norths, and I was marking none other than Jerry Collins. I was 18, 83kg dripping wet, and I got absolutely smashed. I think about 5000 people turned up to watch a club game because of JC. Amazing.

2. Hardest opponent?

It has to be Norths in their prime in Wellington. We just could never knock them over. They were full of Wellington Lions and Wellington B players, and they were massive.

3. What rugby player do you admire and why?

My favourite player would have been Zinzan Brooke. Just the natural flair he brought to the game, before its time. A No8 dropping a goal from 50m out — you just didn’t see that. Zinny laid the path for what we see now in loosies. They were always hard hitters, grunt men, and he sort of brought that flair and skill set to it.

4. Outside rugby, what do you do to relax?

I’ve got a young family now, so it’s spending time with my two boys as much as possible. Then just getting out and about and enjoying what Queenstown has to offer — up the mountains and enjoying the lakes in summer.

5. If Josh Aperahama-Paenganui is cooking, what are we eating?

My signature dish. My fiancee and the boys really like it. Thai chilli chicken and basil.