Almost every member of the 2013 squad we’ve talked to has in some way referenced the epic season that then teenager, Nick Smith, had in the Gallaher Shield winning campaign. 

As local as they come, from Macleans College, Nick Smith only made his premier debut midway through 2013 but by season’s end he was electric in the Eden Park Final. 

The fullback echoes the sentiment of other teammates when referencing the culture as a big driver to the success of 2013. 

“We had the right mix of players but also a really good culture that was lead from DWD (captain Dave Whitcliffe-Davies) and the coaching group,” said Nick. 

Debuting in round four against Otahuhu was a season highlight for the youngster, and again, like many of his teammates, he recalls the titanic semi-final battle against Grammar as one of his favourite matches. 

“It was at home – you basically had two NPC calibre teams going at it in a physical and competitive game which really should have been the final!” 

While many note Nick as a key player from the season, he names Namatahi Waa as the lynchpin of a strong forward pack, captain DWD and fellow backs Sam Vaevae and Aula Silipa as just a few that played important roles in the on-field success. 

Not many people get to say they have scored two tries in a Final on Eden Park, but Nick can. 

“On field it is definitely scoring two tries, off field my favourite memory is the dressing room after the final,” said Nick. 

“Getting off the bus and having the entire clubrooms back at Pakuranga filled with loyal fans welcoming us in – that gave me chills and is a memory I will have forever.” 

Nick finished the 2013 season playing for the Auckland Under 20 team alongside fellow Pakuranga back Jordan Payne. 

He went on to play 53 premier matches before moving over the bridge and playing two seasons of NPC for North Harbour. 

He is still playing professional rugby, after two seasons in the French Pro D2 for Biarritz, he now plays for Chinnor RFC in the English National 1 competition based in Oxfordshire.

Article added: Thursday 18 May 2023