Haka and honour: Nerang Bulls pay powerful tribute to Celtics in historic GCDRU clash
Nerang and Hinterland’s first top-grade clash ended with more than a scoreline, as rivals united in a powerful haka and jersey tribute that underscored their shared roots. WATCH THE VIDEO
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In the hours after their maiden battle as Phil Templeton Cup rivals, Nerang Bulls honoured their deep connection with the Hinterland Celtics with a powerful haka and presentation of a jersey to hang at the clubhouse of the GCDRU’s newest first grade club.
Bulls coach Te Ari Mahuri presented Celtics president Rata Rawhiti with a Nerang jersey in recognition of the club’s rapid rise from third grade to first grade, culminating in their first official meeting on Bulls’ cultural day at Nerang on Saturday.
Around 20 members from both clubs leapt to their feet to join in an impromptu haka in response, honouring their rivals in an emotionally charged scene at Glennon Park.
“Yesterday wasn’t about the score, it was about a celebration between the two clubs playing our first ever first grade game against each other,” Mahuri said.
“We’ve got a really close connection with the club as we’ve had players, coaches, committee members and family among both clubs.
“You’ve only got to look back a couple of years ago when they used to train on our No.2 field to prep for their games on the weekend.
“So to mark the special occasion we got a jersey made up for them and embroidered so Rata can hang it up in their clubhouse.”
The haka has often been misconstrued as a war dance or challenge but carries significantly deeper meaning to New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people.
The haka is a symbol of strength and pride also given as a sign of respect.
“To me the jersey presentation was the pinnacle of our day,” Rawhiti said.
“It was an honour and privilege to be gifted a Tonga (treasure) like this and to be welcomed into the first grade from the Bulls with a mighty haka was amazing and truly heartfelt from the club.
“It felt like the Celtics’ officially welcome to first grade and we truly appreciated the gesture.”
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