Cam's Corner: Ranger a dazzling talent like no other

AU REVOIR: Rene Ranger, in 2006, terrorising opposition for Wellsford.PHOTO/FILE

AS A NORTHLAND rugby fan I have mixed emotions about saying "au revoir" to Rene Ranger. Don't get me wrong, I am a fan of doing what is right for you and your family, but I am unsure whether to be happy or sad about the Rooster's exit.

There is no doubt one must be sad to see such a Northland legend, and character, depart our region. Having entertained Taniwha fans for seven years, Ranger will certainly be a loss in more ways than one.

If one man is able to draw a crowd to a club rugby match, it is Ranger. If one man can portray what Northland rugby's pathway is, it is Ranger. If one man is able to score a try - and turn a game - from anywhere, it is Ranger.

Probably what the Taniwha will miss the most is exactly that, Ranger's ability to turn a game and score a try from basically anywhere on the pitch.

One memory I have of this is a story my mother reminds me of any time Ranger makes a strong run for the Taniwha.

Mother: "He needs to do that more often that boy, run the ball. He's bloody good when he wants to be."

Me: "I know mum, that's why he has been an All Black. Plus, ya know, you would get pretty tired if you did that all day, sometimes it is a case of picking when to do it."

Mother: "I don't care, he should get fit. I remember this one time we were watching a Wellsford against Marist match and he turned to us on the sideline and said 'watch this I'm going to score a try now', and he did. He got off his wing and started running the ball, and then sure enough he scored."

While I feel slightly cheeky roughly quoting my mother, she's exactly right. Ranger is a talented bugger and will be missed.

However, Ranger's departure means the opportunities for local centres have now increased 100-fold. There's no denying that I'm slightly excited, and nervous, about the prospects that lie ahead for the number 13 jersey. Filling Ranger's boots won't be an easy task, for coaches and players, but seeing a good Northland lad like Warren Dunn or Derek Carpenter fill the number 13 jersey would still make you happy.

While neither have the same impact as the former All Black, they are both players with promise who could excel when given a sustained opportunity. We've seen bits and pieces of them all season but it would be hard to prove your worth as a starter coming off the bench, especially when Ranger is the man ahead of you.

For now though, "see you later" (as Ranger said after his last match for the Taniwha last weekend). It says a lot about you as a person that you turned down the All Blacks jersey to look out for your family's future. Good on ya, and all the best in France.

Hopefully we see the danger of Rene Ranger back in blue sooner rather than later.