Callum Harkin has been rewarded for a promising rookie season in Tremendous Rugby Pacific, with the playmaker re-committing to the Hurricanes by way of till the tip of 2027. Harkin was initially referred to as into the Canes for the 2025 season as damage cowl however has gone on to impress.
In one of many best NPC Finals ever, Harkin was the hero for the Wellington Lions final October, approaching as a substitute earlier than kicking a Ninetieth-minute penalty to beat Bay of Plenty 23-20 in an extra-time thriller.
Harkin nonetheless missed out on a spot within the Hurricanes’ squad, however as Stuff reported, accidents to Brett Cameron and Harry Godfrey opened the door. The playmaker was referred to as into the squad earlier than the opening spherical conflict with the Crusaders and debuted in that fixture.
At 26, Harkin has been one of many top-performing rookies in Tremendous Rugby this season, beginning in seven of 9 appearances for the Canes. Harkin has additionally been named on the bench for Saturday’s Qualifying Remaining in opposition to the Brumbies in Canberra.
‘I’m excited I’m to be signing right here with the Canes, and that Wellington’s at all times been house for me,” Harkin mentioned in a press release.
“Nice alternative to symbolize my household, pals, group, and the Hurricanes area.”
Harkin scored a penalty on debut in an 80-minute efficiency in Christchurch and backed that up with one other begin in opposition to the Fijian Drua the next week. Later within the season, Harkin scored a Tremendous Rugby strive for the primary time in one other begin in opposition to the Western Pressure.
Coach Clark Laidlaw retained Harkin at fullback for matches in opposition to the ACT Brumbies, Chiefs, Highlanders and Queensland Reds, capping off a memorable common season from the rookie, who will look to make a distinction in opposition to the Brumbies this weekend.
“We’re tremendous excited to have him signal on,” Laidlaw added.
“He got here in at first of preseason in November, and since then it’s been head down ass up, he’s labored actually exhausting.
“He’s really coachable and wants to get better. And he’s got some real attributes, being able to play at 15 and 10. He’s a really good athlete; he’s fast and has a good, long kicking game, as well as a goal kicker.
“Looking forward to helping him develop his game and watching him play through the NPC with the confidence he’s got this year playing for us, and come back for next year’s preseason to settle into the squad and continue to improve
It’s exciting for us and exciting for him. We’re looking forward to working with him on a full-time basis.”
The Hurricanes have lost one of their co-captains for the Qualifying Final, with Asafo Aumua dominated out with a hamstring damage. Aumua was initially named within the beginning lineup however will now require additional exams to find out return to play timeframes.
With Harkin on the bench within the No. 23 jumper, coach Laidlaw has gone with one-Check All Blacks Cameron and Ruben Love to begin at first five-eighth and fullback respectively. This shall be Cameron’s fourth match of the season after getting back from damage.
