Manassah Kutia cracked 100 premier games for his beloved South Pacific Raiders last weekend.
The veteran forward had no idea anyone was even counting how many he played.
All the 41-year-old knew was he was starting his 15th season.
He joined the club in 2010 when he moved from the North Island to attend university.
It felt like home, so he made himself comfortable.
"For me it is just about the love of the game," he said.
"All I’ve done is turn up every year to play for this club.
"They made it easy to do that because they have been so good to me over the years and I’ve just committed myself to my team and my club.
"One of the reasons I’m still playing is because of that family/whanau environment.
"It has never been about the milestones or the accolades."
There have been accolades, though.
He is the first player to reach 100 games for South Pacific. And it is not easy to get to 100 in league when the seasons are so short.
Kutia also had a lengthy stint in the Otago Whalers.
He made the side in 2011 and clocked his last game for the province in 2022.
"Yeah, I’ve played a few games for them. I don’t know how many and, to be honest, I didn’t know I’d played 100 games for South Pacific.
"I don’t know who has been counting, I just got told it was 100 games."
The Raiders have collected plenty of titles during his tenure and are chasing a three-peat this season.
But Kutia, who has been dubbed the "spiritual leader" of the club, is focused more on just enjoying the game.
"To be honest, the games are a bit of a blur now," he said when asked about a highlight.
"But I’ve been blessed to have played for so long.
"My body has held together which I’m very thankful for.
"It is a tough game and I’ve had a few injuries but mainly just knocks, bumps and bruises. Nothing too major."
He started out as a winger, but as time has slipped by he has moved further in and he will often pack down at prop these days.
Kutia works at Moana House. He helps men deal with addiction and mental health issues.
"We do a lot of work in the prisons as well. It just about helping people to change their lives."
For a rugby league hard-man, he sure has a caring side.
Kutia and his wife Xzenia have two sons — Ezias who is 8 and Atlas who is 2.
Xzenia Kutia has been the heart and soul behind the Otago Nuggets dancers for years.
Kutia has no plans to retire from playing anytime soon.
"As long as I’m healthy then I’ll keep playing."
Every game he plays is a reward as far as Kutia is concerned.
