The TSF's cultural attaché, or the nearest thing we can get to one anyway!  Jury has been here or hereabout since November 2003, educating the Ngati Pakeha and Ngati Ngati alike (I expect I will get educated after writing this up again too - BartMan).  Enough palaver, this weeks spotlight, introducing, Jury!

Forum member number 634.

Describe yourself in 25 words or less: Whanau oriented, quirky, loyal, easy-going, good sense of humour, fairly well-balanced (not always, but most times), passionate about sports, people and culture.

What international rugby team do you support and why?  The All Blacks - because they're our national team.  I support them through the good times, the bad and the mediocre.

What Super 14 team do you support and why?  The Blues and secondly, the Chiefs.  I was born in Auckland, my tribal affiliations are from Tai Tokerau (the Far North) and I view myself as an Aucklander.  I also support the Chiefs because a good portion of my formative years were growing up in the Bay of Plenty.  I view Auckland as my home, but I also love the Bay of Plenty.

What's the biggest challenge facing rugby?  Professionalism, the player drain and the media.  Professionalism has its pros and cons, but the bigger countries are always going to entice away our players.  The media also presents a serious challenge because they take a partisan approach to rugby issues, pass opinions off as fact and say they speak for fans.  They don't and this is why you have places like TSF where the fans actually get to speak on rugby matters, and you see a wide range of differing opinions. 

Who was the game's greatest ever player?  I'd say Michael Jones.  He was a freak and I believe he basically won us the Rugby World Cup.  In his prime he was brilliant.  I think Richie is probably a close second, but until we hold the cup aloft again, I think Jones has it over him.  I also give a nod to Jonah Lomu.  Rugby's first real superstar.  Before illness got him, he was electric to watch.

How about non-NZ players? Who were/are the greatest?  I loved watching Serge Blanco, David Campese, Rupeni and Keith Wood.  I also admired players like Naas Botha who could kick the ball over the sticks from anywhere.  He amazed me because our goal kickers were pretty much hit and miss.  Then Naas came along and he seemed like a machine.  I also admired and respected Martin Johnson, John Eales, George Gregan, Nick Farr-Jones, Neil Back and Lawrence D.  I had a love/hate relationship with these guys, but at the end of the day they were warriors of the game and you've got to respect that.  I'd also put Brian O'Driscoll in this category.  When he came onto the scene he was a class apart as a centre and I loved watching him play.

The best match you have ever seen?  Hmmmm.  That's a hard one.  If I had to pick one, it would be the Maori team -v- the Lions in 2005.  It was historic, it was Carlos Spencer's last game and I remember the crowd lifting when he came on.  You could feel it.  Whanau of mine were in the stands and they said when Los came on, they had tears in their eyes.  Jonno getting up to make a crunching tackle with a dodgy ankle ... I loved that game.

The best try you have ever seen?  Only one?  Aaagh.  Can't do it!  Kirwan's against Italy in the RWC 1987, Lomu leaving Catt as road kill in 1995, Rupeni against the Brumbies in 2003, Carlos's goose-step in 2003 and giving the salute to the Cantabs in 2004.  Howlett scoring at the death in Christchurch in 2005 against the Boks ... Beautiful.

What position did you play, if you played, in rugby?  I played lock as a youngster.  I also played centre and winger as a teen.  I preferred the backs because I got to catch the ball and run.  I'm getting out my pink blouse as we speak ...

What do you like about the Silverfern?  I like the club-house feel, the wide range of opinions and the fact that most are on here to discuss rugby.  I've been on other sites where people know stuff all about rugby and just want to fight.  I can't be bothered with that.  I'm married, so I don't need strangers to fight with!

How could the site be improved?  I think you do a pretty good job now!  If I think of anything, I'll let Bart know!!

Who's your favourite poster?  I like most of the guys and gals - even the ones I disagree with.  Honourable mentions to Bart, Kirwan, Tim, Hooroo, Mojoman, Victor Meldrew, Chowie, Muss, Auckman, Dodge, Just, The Eagle, Mogwai, Mokey, BMR, ACT, Canerbry, Red Beard, TR, Dons, Kiwipie, Paarl, Lee Grant and many others. 

Who's the worst poster?  I think all posters add something to TSF.  There are some characters that would probably drive you a bit nuts if you hung out with them all the time in real life, but hei aha.  Live and let live.

How could the game of rugby be improved?  I'd like to see a global season where everyone's calendars would coincide for the best playing conditions and give players the opportunity to play at their best too.  Playing rugby at 7.30 pm in NZ in June is not the best for players and fans. 

What rugby player would you turn gay for?  None.  I'd turn gay for Wayne Barnes though.  Oh yes, I would.  It would be a short prison stint and I would call him "Doris".   

Non-rugby questions now: Favourite music?  Shihad, Lincoln Park, Curtis Mayfield, Eminem.  I also like Dave Dobbyn - Kiwi soul music.  Old Skool - like the Jacksons, Beatles, Rolling Stones.  Strangely I know nearly all the words to any Elvis Presley song ever written.  I blame my parents.

Favourite book?  Probably, The Wasp Factory.  Creepy, but interesting. 

Favourite Film?  Utu.

Biggest lifetime regret?  I don't have many.  A few years ago, a friend of Mrs J's and mine got sick, and was hospitalised.  She was relatively young (50) and a lively woman.  We rung her in hospital and asked her if we could come up and visit.  She told us not to and instead she said she would come around for dinner when she got out.  She died in hospital.  We wish we had gone to see her. 

Greatest hope?  That everyone I know and care about lives to a ripe old age, has kids and grandkids, and great grandkids, and are good people in their lives.