Motorsport: V8 star Murphy helps steer athletes in right direction

It's a two-way deal for Greg Murphy and New Zealand Commonwealth Games team members.

For Murphy, more than a decade away from his homeland, it is the chance to put faces to names. For the athletes it is an opportunity to meet an icon from a non-Games sport.

It is working a treat with Murphy spending time, including some overnight stays, in the village and being able to give an insight into Melbourne which he has called home since late 1996.

"It has been something different," said Murphy, who has found time to spend with the team while continuing his preparations for the forthcoming V8 Supercar season.

"I have learned a lot in a short time about sports like lawn bowls and shooting," he said.

Murphy approached New Zealand team bosses last year offering whatever assistance he could give.

"I met with [chef de mission] Dave Currie and [team manger] Richard de Groen and later with Sparc.

"It was probably a bit out of left field but I saw it as a chance to give something back to New Zealand sport."

Currie quickly accepted and invited Murphy to join his athlete services team.

"Greg has been great to have in the village," said Currie. "He chips in and has done lots of bits and pieces in helping set up. He has been on hand when almost all the new arrivals have been welcomed."

Without ever letting on to his Supercar team bosses, he has become a jack of all trades, including getting up a tree to haul electrical cables outside the New Zealand quarters.

Murphy, 33, first came to Australia from Hawkes Bay in 1995 in pursuit of a motorsport career but remains fiercely loyal to his homeland.

"Absolutely. I'm still a passionate Kiwi. I am fortunate to have had a good career and now have the chance to give a little back," he said. "Helping build the New Zealand area in the village gave me the chance to meet guys I hadn't met. Together we have been able to make it a special place.

"Living in Australia makes it difficult to keep a close watch on New Zealand sport," said Murphy. "All we hear about here is Australians and only when a New Zealander has fallen flat on their face do we hear about that."