Morris-Lome quiet achiever in backline

Aleki Morris-Lome (right) considers his options during a training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday. Fellow Otago backs Michael Collins (middle) and Matt Whaanga are in support. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Aleki Morris-Lome (right) considers his options during a training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium yesterday. Fellow Otago backs Michael Collins (middle) and Matt Whaanga are in support. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Behind every great winger there is an unheralded midfielder.

For Otago, that man is Aleki Morris-Lome.

It is hard to stand out when you have star power such as Jona Nareki on one wing and Vilimoni Koroi on the other.

The dynamic duo have combined for 13 tries this season. They have inspired a lot of the headlines.

But Morris-Lome has been the quiet achiever in the backline. You would not know it but the former Stags player has a tremendous step which he has put to good use during the years.

He is more than capable of dancing his way past a defender or two. But his first priority this season is to shovel the ball out wide and as quickly as he can.

''Get the Fijian boys the ball and they know how to finish, eh,'' Morris-Lome said.

''It is probably better than scoring a try yourself when it comes off. It is an awesome feeling.

''You know they are going to make something of it and you can run off them as well.''

Morris-Lome is Dunedin born and bred. He attended Bayfield High school before shifting to Otago Boys' High School for his last two years.

That is where he first linked up with fellow Otago midfielder Sio Tomkinson. The pair have also played together at Harbour, so they are very familiar with each other's style.

Morris-Lome grew up dreaming about playing for Otago and this whole season has been a pinch-yourself-experience. It has also been a little bittersweet as well.

He lost his father, Keith Morris, to cancer when he was in his last year of school. His mother, Dayne Morris, also contracted cancer and died three years later.

''It was a rough few years. It all happened before I was 21, so growing up was pretty hard. It has just been me and my sister [Marlia].''

''Marlia is pretty much like my Mum, my sister and a friend all in one, so it is really good.

''We have a big family on both sides, so there is heaps of support.''

His parents would have loved to have seen him take the field in the Golden O for a Ranfurly Shield match. The Otago team will be named today and Morris-Lome is a likely starter for the Shield defence against Canterbury at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.

It will be the biggest match of his career. He will write a personal message on his wrist guard and go through his normal pre-match routine.

Morris-Lome's first opportunity at first-class level was actually for Southland. He has played 17 games for the Stags during the past two seasons.

''I didn't get my first win until I played for Otago this year,'' he joked.

The Stags, of course, broke a 27-game losing streak this year and Morris-Lome was pleased for his old team-mates. But Dunedin is home and Otago is his team.

''I remember always being at Carisbrook and watching the Blue and Golds. I do have to pinch myself every now and then.

''But this is the game. I used to go to Otago-Canterbury games growing up and this is the big derby match.

''Everyone used to think of it as big brother-little brother but I think in the last couple of years is has been pretty much on par.

''Fingers crossed it will be a great match and a good contest.''

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