Chris Rattue: Gear's Nelson Bays detour yet to deliver goods

Things have not panned out for Nelson Bays with regards to the greatest player-capture in their history - Rico Gear.

When it comes to announcing signings in world sport, few can touch the forever failing Newcastle United Football Club, which is absolutely famous in this regard. They even drew a crowd of 15,000 as a welcoming ceremony for the England striker Michael Owen.

Nelson Bays aren't in this league, but they did get a tad over-excited about the arrival of Gear.

Nelson Bays refused to be done down when Gear signed last October, even though the second division union was obviously a patsy - a barely visible stepping stone for Gear's stroll over the rule book and into the Crusaders.

Chief executive Peter Barr enthused that even if the player made the All Blacks, he should be playing for Nelson by early this month.

Gear's capture indicated how serious Nelson was about taking on the big boys, Barr went on, and their ability to "secure top players".

Hooray, although the cynical among us suspected otherwise, especially since it's hard enough getting All Blacks to turn out in the first division, let alone the second. Fast-forward to the real world ...

News emerged that the All Black selectors wanted Gear put on ice until Nelson's final round match against Wanganui on October 8, even though he wasn't required in the All Blacks' final test against Australia and was missing in action during his last outing against South Africa on August 27.

Gear, who lives in Christchurch, got a taste of rugby Nelson Bays style when he watched their 42-33 defeat against Counties Manukau on Saturday.

"I thought it would be good to come along and just show my face I guess and meet a few of the boys," he said, summoning all his energy after being left "jaded" by test duty.

It sure is tough on the wing these days, and a lot tougher than Nelson Bays were led to believe.

Gear will probably play against Poverty Bay on October 1, since this conveniently allows him to visit his hometown of Gisborne.

That's the spirit. With dedication like that, Nelson Bays can hardly fail.