Dane Coles in 2009. Photosport
Dane Coles has come a long way from the self-confessed "ratbag" who entered the Hurricanes in 2009.
Back then he was a 22-year-old tyro with a nose for the tryline and a competitive, almost fiery, streak. He job-shared with Andrew Hore in a squad that was coached by Colin Cooper, captained by Tamati Ellison. Cory Jane was the only other surviving Hurricane from that year. The side finished third on the log and went down to the Chiefs in the semifinal.
Now Coles joins 10 Hurricanes in the 100-club, including Hore, leading out his men for the first time in over four months as they seek a third consecutive grand final appearance.
"It will be a massive honour to join those players in reaching a milestone that I never thought I would achieve," Coles says. "I love pulling on the yellow and black jersey and representing the Hurricanes region and I've treasured every opportunity."
The 30-year-old rake admitted last week to some dark moments after his four-month hiatus while he battled concussion symptoms. Retirement entered his thoughts, and it would not have helped when concerned fans and friends would ask him how he was doing ad nauseam on a daily basis.
But his remarkable return last Friday against the Brumbies, in which the Hurricanes' resurgence started at around the time he ran on at the 50 minute mark, and where he gave a try assist and did all that was required, has convinced himself and his coaches that he was ready to not only start but also assume the captain's armband.
Coles started the year poised on 94 games but has seen others such as Stephen Donald sail past him.
"That was a big motivation to get back, to try and crack that 100. There were times where I didn't think I would get back." says Coles. "I'm stoked that I've been given a chance to play so many games for a club I love."
He admitted to being a fan from the start, having been to a heap of Hurricanes' home games before he ever joined them as player.
"He's walked back into the environment and he's the same old Dane that we know. He was barking at training this morning. The boys relate to him because they have such high respect for him," says Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd.
"He epitomises what the Hurricanes are about as a club on and off the field and although he probably won't want anyone to make a fuss, I'm sure his milestone will provide some motivation for his teammates."
A humble Coles naturally feels more comfortable talking about the team and the semifinal than his own milestone, but he is under no illusions of the Lions' challenge on the high veldt.
"It's going to take a 23-man effort. We're going to have to empty the tank and make sure we are accurate and hissing from the start," he says.
That last point may just be crucial, as the Hurricanes need to roar from the get-go rather than work slowly into the contest. Odds-on Coles ripping into it from the kickoff.