By Myles Hume
Budding Canterbury fullback Johnny McNicholl says the short turn-arounds in his first ITM Cup season is something that he takes in his stride.
With the competition being squeezed into eight weeks, teams can sometimes find themselves playing three games in eight days – putting huge strain on players and team depth.
McNicholl said it was a challenge but the resources at Canterbury are second to none.
“It’s not too bad (the short turn-arounds). We have a good medical team as well as doctors and physios, so we recover well.
“When we have a game a few days later we just work on recovery,” said the 20-year-old.
McNicholl – who was born in Nelson – is looking to make a name for himself in his maiden season but collectively there was only one thing on his mind.
“I really want us to win the championship.”
McNicholl bursted on to the Canterbury scene this year after impressing coaches Rob Penney and Tabai Matson playing for his Sydenham senior club team.
Although he represented the Canterbury colts and South Island Schools, McNicholl took the alternative approach on his rise to the red-and-blacks.
The elusive fullback attended Cashmere High School, which doesn’t compete in The Press Cup where many of the present Canterbury players developed their game to go to the next level, he had to do so at club level.
McNicholl said he is “loving” the Canterbury environment and being in the public eye is something that doesn’t faze him.
“Something that really surprised me when I came to Canterbury is how everyone is watching you. We were at the pool the other day and some people recognised Robbie Fruean and realised the Canterbury team was there.”
McNicholl is looking to learn as much as he can off Crusaders fullback Sean Maitland and coaches Penny and Matson this year to become a shining star in his debut season.
Quick Fire: Johnny McNicholl
Smooth or Crunchy? Smooth
Boardies or Speedos? Boardies
Favourite movie? Hangover 2
Latest book? Don’t read
My favourite sportsman is . . . Mils Muliaina
Best part about rugby? Scoring tries
Worst part about rugby? Injuries
Funniest player in the team? Paul Ngauamo