News

Delany taking his chances

May 15 2008

Highlander pivot Mike Delany is the franchise's third-string fly-half, but he certainly hasn't been playing like it this season.

The Bay of Plenty draft pick might have spent the majority of the Super 14 largely redundant if it weren't for injuries to Daniel Bowden and James Wilson.

While Wilson had already pushed his way past Bowden as coach Glenn Moore's preferred number ten, Delany had suddenly found himself in the hot seat when Wilson was forced home from Africa with a hip injury.

"I've been pretty happy to be a bit more involved, to get a couple of starts and build my game up a bit more. I've been pretty happy with that, but disappointed with the way the season's been going," Delany told the Southland Times.

Delany came south from his Mount Maunganui home not really knowing what to expect during his time in Dunedin.

"I just came down to learn as much as I can. I had an open mind," he said.

Many might have been suprised at the way Delany has taken to the Super 14. He can kick goals, he times his passes well and has good speed off the mark.

"I always knew I was capable of handling the Super 14, it was just a matter of getting time and just building my game and growing as a player. I was pretty excited to get picked up (in the draft)," said Delany.

Delany had previously been in the Chiefs wider training squad but hadn't been able to push through the main squad.

He went to high school in Rotorua alongside Highlanders team-mates Tom Donnelly, Craig Newby and Steven Setephano before going to university in Hamilton and then heading back to the Bay of Plenty.

Delany has struggled to cement a starting place with Bay of Plenty in recent times with a direct challenge coming from Murray Williams.

With his newfound experience, Delany also hopes to add a newfound consistency to his game when he lines up for the Steamers in the Air New Zealand Cup.

Delany has little time for suggestions the Highlanders may be struggling with a "booze culture" after being linked to a second early morning incident this season when Jimmy Cowan was charged with disorderly behaviour after being arrested on Sunday morning.

"I don't see it to be a problem. It's the same with anywhere you go and I don't think there's a problem at the Highlanders so that's all I want to say about that."

Meanwhile, Wilson has been ruled out of this weekend's final round game against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

Wilson has been suffering problems with a hip injury and will miss the Saturday night game against the competition leaders.

Several other players remain in doubt with Alando Soakai (shoulder), Hoani MacDonald (wrist) and Jamie Mackintosh (foot) all picking up injuries in the 40-15 loss to the Blues last Saturday.

Also keeping the team physiotherapist busy is centre Brett Mather who hurt his knee against the Cheetahs in South Africa, while Steven Stephano has a recurring calf problem.

Southland's Matt Saunders, who was concussed in the win over the Cheetahs, is also under assessment but said he hoped to be available for the Crusaders game.