Fallen comrades honoured at memorial tournament

The late Nate Miller in action for Seeka Falcons against Turanga Panthers in 2018.Herald file picture

Gisborne Tairāwhiti Rugby League is holding the annual Nate Miller Tournament at Barry Park tomorrow.

The memorial event was to be played at Paddy’s Park in Patutahi but the ground was closed due to surface water.

Six teams have registered — Bulldogs, Uawa, Stallions, Falcons, Paikea Whalers and the Eels.

The tournament was created in memory of Miller who died in a forestry accident in February  2019 after he was struck by a log on the outskirts of Tolaga Bay.

His death rippled through the rugby league community and was felt strongly by his past clubs.

The inaugural memorial tournament was held in 2020.

“Nate was an amazing and talented player who represented Moana Toa, Repongaere Eels, Tairāwhiti Māori and the Seeka Falcons,” Gisborne Tairāwhiti Rugby League coordinator Ally Tamihere said.

“He played the majority of his time for Seeka Falcons. He also represented Waikohu, East Coast Ngāti Porou, Hicks Bay and Poverty Bay in rugby union.”

Prominent rugby league player Dan Taituha said he had a lot of respect for Miller.

“My heart goes out to Nate and all the family left behind,” Taituha said.

“He was a person I had a lot of respect for on and off the field, but especially on it. Whenever we played the Falcons, Nate was the first player I’d look for as I knew we had a better chance of winning if he wasn’t playing.”

Tomorrow’s tournament will also feature a Most Valuable Player award in memory of another fallen sporting figure in the community, Tipuna “Tip” Jones, who died in a diving accident off Mahia Peninsula in November of last year.

“He also played for the Falcons,” Tamihihere said.

“Both these young men were talented players who were loved partners, fathers, brothers, sons, whānau and dear friends to many, as shown in the masses that gathered for both their tangihanga.

“Both gone too soon but never forgotten.”

A karakia will be held at 9.45am. The first round kicks off at 10am.