Southland Local Arese Poliko is back for the SBS Bank Southland Stags in 2022. The 22 year old loose forward is currently playing for Invercargill Blues in the Go Bus Senior Club Rugby Competition.

Arese joined the Stags wider squad in 2020 fresh out of Southland Boys High School, making his debut for Southland against Tasman that same year.

In 2021, a broken leg in the internal preseason game put an end to what was looking to be a breakthrough season for young Poliko.

Earlier in 2021 Arese was a key member of the Highlanders U20 squad impressing coaches and selectors.

For Arese, the opportunity to play for Southland is a blessing.

“It means everything to me” said Poliko.

“Being able to represent not only my province, but my family too is an amazing opportunity”.

The future is looking bright and Arese has every chance of greater things if he puts in the work this season according to Stags Forwards Coach David Hall.

“We are very excited to have Arese back in the Stags jersey for 2022. He has worked very hard to get back playing for Blues this year after a nasty leg injury ended his stags season last year. Arese is a big explosive ball carrier, and we are looking forward to him making very post a winner this season,” said Hall.

For now, keep an eye out for Arese in action for Blues later this season in the Senior Rugby competition.

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