Response to recent feedback

Harbour Fans

I would just like to thank Jack McPhee's dad <name withheld> for writing in to keep his sons spirits up. Like many a good dad he is only trying to shield his son from some harsh criticism that has come his way which is fair enough.

As invited by <name withheld> here is my retort.

I do not personally dislike or hate Jack McPhee or any other Harbour player for that matter. Yet to write in and confirm that Jack kicks well with both feet is a little naive. He can't! He tries as hard as the rest of the players, that I agree, but to say he is the best we have is debatable and that is what I like to do, open up debate. His beard, is a fine work of art and so is his shaggy hair and socks at his ankles, but I come from an old school of thought where taking pride in your appearance and representing the team you play for is important. Nothing more nothing less. I trust his competency at 1st 5 is in no doubt, apart from when he abandons his post of playing full back and allows Hawks Bay players to kick deep and race into the space he left behind as he was turned over in the tackle.

His crucial tackles that you refer to are no doubt true (in the past) but hard facts don't lie and those are that if you go back and watch the games again for this season, Mr McPhee missed too many tackles that either led to tries being scored against us or were the catalyst to us giving away the tries. Again, I reiterate, I do not hate or dislike Jack McPhee I am only pointing out what I see.

On to some of your other comments <name withheld>: Personally, I find the Simpsons section funny (like many other people who look at the site). It is some light-hearted fun to dull the pain of having to watch some of the games this year and I am sure if the players were deeply hurt every time someone wrote or depicted them as someone they disliked they would give it all away tomorrow. Remember, these guys actually get PAID for what they do, so it is not like it is for the love of it that they turn up. They are semi-professional or professional athletes and are all competing for Super rugby contracts, so as far as I can see like any press coverage you have to take the rough with the smooth.

I loved your reference to Harbour as a 'club'. How quaint! Actually they are a province made up of a number of clubs, but being such an avid supporter you probably know that and it was just a slip of your keyboard!

Anyway, I shall pop on my bullet proof vest as no doubt you will be unhappy with my email. I wish the boys all the best for tomorrows game and every game for the rest of the season. Like I have commented before, we all want to see North Harbour do well but unfortunately patting them on the back, saying "hard luck lads, there's always next week" and generally pandering to the needs of those involved does not always deliver the goods. Sometimes, harsh criticism is what is required and harsh words are needed. You know the old saying "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" well <name withheld>, "Get the f@ck out my kitchen"!!!

Mairangi Murray - From the terraces!