Big season in store for Eklund

Kurt Eklund.

Kurt Eklund has a lot to play for in the Steamers' jersey this season both emotionally and physically.

The 27-year-old has recovered from a serious knee injury that saw the hooker out of the game for 14 months.

While the recovery has been a long, slow, physical and sometimes psychological journey, you won't hear him complain because three months ago, his mother Gloria, passed away after battling breast cancer.

It's quite an emotional journey for a young man who thought the world of his Mum.

'She was always positive and the humblest person I know,” says Kurt. 'She always put other people's needs before her own. She loved rugby but I think she would have loved any sport I played.”

Kurt, who has played a number of Mitre 10 Cup games for Auckland, has decided to dedicate this season to his Mum.

'I remember when I told her that I signed with the Bay how she was over the moon. It's just a bit of a shame that she is not around to see it happen.”

Kurt's Mum grew up in Rotorua and moved to Waihi. However, she always followed her son's progress playing for Auckland.

Kurt says his Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, but after going through treatment she was in remission until November 2017, when doctors told her the cancer had returned.

He returned to the Bay to help nurse his mother during her illness but three months ago she lost her battle with cancer.

The Steamers forward has been training hard in preparation for the Mitre 10 Cup which kicks-off on August 8. The team's first game is against Otago on August 11, at Tauranga Domain.

Kurt is under no illusion he has stiff competition to secure a starting spot in the Steamers when Nathan Harris returns from Maori All Blacks duties.

'Having someone like that in the team means you are going to work hard and it is going to be good for me. I'll learn a lot from him.”

Kurt reminds you of the old breed of rugby player. A hard-grafting uncompromising hooker who has no fear of putting his body on the line for his team.

The hooker who has a rapper like nickname of Kurty E uses his 1.80m and 105kg frame as a battering ram in the tight stuff but has no problem showing a turn of pace when needed out wide or on the break.

Having a rampaging powerhouse bull on the field like Kurt, the future is looking bright for the Steamers.

Click here to purchase tickets for Bay of Plenty Mitre 10 Cup home games.



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