High school rugby star tackles new challenge

Nelson College 1^st XV Captain Tom Perkins was used to making quick decisions on the rugby field this season and now a huge call off it, will see him switch to league.

The rangy and versatile loose forward has signed a four-year contract with the Australian NRL club, the Newcastle Knights.

“I was presented with an awesome offer which was hard to resist. It was compelling,” confirms Tom.

After achieving his goal of representing the New Zealand Schools U18 rugby side this year, Tom was ready for a new challenge and a fortnight later agreed to terms with the Knights.

“I came home from playing against Australia this month and had a few decisions to make. University was definitely something I wanted to prioritise,” insists Tom.

While news was breaking of his former NC teammates Harry Inch and Saumaki Saumaki going to league, Tom had managed to keep his possible shift under the radar.

Well until a recent Nelson College assembly.

“The school was announcing the awarding of scholarships to New Zealand universities and I had been lucky to get one to Otago. As I was going up to the stage, our careers lady said Tom won’t be accepting that as he is going to rugby league,” says Tom.

“Not many people knew but the reaction has been really positive. No one has questioned my decision at all. They are super excited for me.”

The then 17-year-old had been “spotted” at a pre-season rugby match against St Thomas of Canterbury, in April, by renowned Australian talent scout Peter O’Sullivan.

Immediately impressed with the No.8, the Newcastle Knights Head of Recruitment had sought out Tom’s father Tony on the sideline and set the ball rolling for a code switch.

“I didn’t really consider moving to league at all back then. I had my head down concentrating on college rugby. I had moved from lock to No.8 and my aim was to make the New Zealand Schools side. I just wanted to put all my energy into that,” explains Tom who appeared in every match for Nelson College this season.

He was one of only three South Island players who received the call up for the squad to prepare for the two-test series against Australia in Canberra.

The 1.96m and 105kg loose forward came off the bench to cover No.6 and No.8, scoring a try and featuring in the lead-up to two others in the 81-49 defeat in the opening match.

He was then named to start as openside flanker for the second international five days later.

“I had a couple of days notice. Wearing the black No.7 jersey is pretty prestigious,” enthuses Tom who had met All Black great Richie McCaw at Nelson College training earlier in the year.

Tom played the entire match in the 55-33 loss to Australia.

“I thought he was the best forward on the field,” enthuses Peter who had slipped across to Canberra to watch him play.

Four of the five New Zealand Super Rugby franchises had sounded the 18-year-old out about joining their academies after completing high school but he wanted a change of environment.

“I had been playing rugby since I was four. I love watching league and personally I find it more entertaining than rugby. You certainly have to be a lot fitter.”

Unlike Harry and Saumaki, the Year 13 student  didn’t have an existing contract with the Tasman Rugby Union so his league signing was uncomplicated.

He will be straight into pre-season training with the Knights U19 squad next month with the ultimate goal of cracking first grade at the club.

And as for university, he will be studying commerce at the highly-regarded University of Newcastle.

And Tom won’t have to worry about a student loan!