Southport Tigers captain Tu Whakatihi’s successful influence compared to Glenn Lazarus

SUCCESS has followed Tu Whakatihi and his Southport coach Mark Ross says it is no coincidence, hailing a Glenn Lazarus-type effect.

SUCCESS has followed Tu Whakatihi and his Southport coach Mark Ross says it is no coincidence, hailing a Glenn Lazarus-type effect.

Lazarus, a veteran of 22 Tests and 22 Origins, helped Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne all to grand final glory for a total of five NRL premiership rings.

Whakatihi’s record is even more spectacular: He has won seven titles in the Rugby League Gold Coast A-grade competition, tasting success in each of his stints at Southport, Burleigh and Tugun.

The 31-year-old youth worker counts himself lucky but hopes his silverware collection is not yet complete, with the in-form Tigers third on the ladder after toppling leaders Currumbin at last start.

“Some people call it a lucky charm but yeah, I’ve been very fortunate,” he said.

Tu Whakatihi. Picture: Mike Batterham

“The body is getting a bit sore these days … I’m not sure who has got the most premierships but I would like to have at least one more.”

Tigers coach Ross, a former top grader at Penrith, Souths and Gold Coast, was full of praise for the bloke he wasted little time in installing as captain despite having only rejoined the club from Tugun in the off-season.

“He’s a winner. That was a big thing for us when Tu expressed some interest to return to Southport,” Ross said.

“As far as I was concerned, there’s some people like him and Glenn Lazarus that go places (and do well).

Glenn Lazarus takes a hit-up for the Broncos against Canberra in 1997.

“I think they just command a bit of respect, they’re good people and they’re good footballers. They have just got this quiet aura about them that people gravitate towards.”

Born in Hamilton, New Zealand, and raised in Wellington, Whakatihi spent time in the Cronulla and Newcastle systems as a youngster.

The second-rower has been on the Gold Coast for 13 years and decided to switch back to Southport for family reasons, as a father of sons Qwayde, 9, and Phoenyx, 4.

“It’s close to home, I am coaching the young fella’s team and they want to see me play again,” he said. “That’s how it all sort of started.

Whakatihi at Owen Park. Picture: Mike Batterham

“I did a little bit of junior coaching previously with my father-in-law because he has been coaching for years. It wasn’t as easy as I first thought.”

His influence is being felt at Owen Park, with the Tigers going from A-grade also-rans in 2017 to genuine contenders this season. They host Bilambil on Saturday night, who are coming off a big win over Ormeau.

RLGC ROUND 9 FIXTURES

Saturday

Burleigh v Runaway Bay at Pizzey Park, 4.30pm

Currumbin v Ormeau at Galleon Way, 5.20pm

Southport v Bilambil at Owen Park, 5.30pm

Sunday

Tugun v Tweed Heads at Boyd St, 2pm