Standing at just 5 foot 2 inches, one is left to wonder whether he should be on a rugby field or play hide and seek in the junior school. But for those who do I would say,“ never judge a book by its cover ” because this man is no ordinary human.
He has got the guts of a burglar and skills of a craftsman. Popularly tagged as the “Little Dynamo” he is non-other than Halique Wadood; the small man who marveled the public with his heroics at the last years’ Bradby is now gearing up to lead the pride of Lions to the battle this season.
Before things get underway, The Papare had the privilege of catching up with this inspiring icon to share his story and insights about the upcoming thriller of a season.
When did you start playing rugby? Did anyone influence you to take up the game?
I started playing rugby when I was in grade 8. I was only 12+ then. My first team was the under-14 team coached by Mr. Rankothge who was my first coach and he taught me the basics of rugby. Until then I was playing Basketball for college. But I had a spark behind the change of course;all three of my brothers wanted me to play rugby because they told me that one of the main things every Trinitian regrets after leaving school is not playing rugby for college and I didn’t want to go through that.
Your feeling when you wore the 1st XV jersey for the first time?
My first, 1st XV jersey awarding can never be erased from my mind. It’s inimitable. That day in the college chapel, I was in tears when I got my first Red Gold Blue jersey. It’s because I knew all my hard work paid off. The first time I wore that jersey was for the St.Anthonys match in 2011. That feeling can never be explained and can never be felt again. I felt proud, happy and nervous at the same time.
What’s your favorite position? Scrum half or Full back?
At the beginning I started off playing as wing three quarter but gradually I learnt more and more. I studied the game and was eligible to play scrum half. Scrum half is a very responsible position in the game of rugby. Everyone doesn’t get the chance to be a scrum half but what I enjoy most is playing full back, It’s simply because I absolutely love running the ball. Think I can play my 100% at the back than behind the pack. Give me some space and the ball, I will show you what I can do.
Support from home and family?
I would have never ever come this far if it wasn’t for my family. My mom who always stands beside me has always been a tower of strength. She waits for me till I come home late after practice no matter how long I take and serves me food. She waits till I am done eating. Meanwhile, we enjoy talking about rugby and school.
My dad is a person who never lets me down, and when I am down the first person to pick me up and put me back in place is my dad. He never misses any of my matches and has never forgotten to say “you did good son”with a pat on the back after a match.
My brothers are one of the main reasons of the rugby I know now. They taught me from catching a rugby ball to scoring a try and everything in between. Whenever I need something, my bros are the first people I go to and they never say no to me.
Any comments about the last year’s season?
Last year’s season was undoubtedly one of the best times of my life. We weren’t the champions of 2012 but we managed to be the peoples’ champs. Kaneel Seneviratne was a very dedicated captain. As a team we couldn’t ask for someone more than “ Kanna”. For me it was a big dream come true since I started off the season as a reserve but was able to wind it up in the fifteen. 2012 will remain in my heart for the rest of my life.
People who have inspired you? Anyone from college or beyond?
When it comes to inspiration it’s hard for me to point out people because there had been so many. Yet, Murad Ramzeen, is one person who enlightened me. In fact, he has influenced not only me but every single person who played under him in 2011. As a captain and as a senior he taught us nothing but to grow up as fully-fledged Trinitians.
Most memorable moment in rugby up to now?
Most memorable moment in rugby up to now is of course the first jersey awarding and so is the 2012 Bradby second leg. Well, being appointed captain is another dream come true.
Apart from all that, another incident I can never forget is my fist concussion at the U-16 St. Peters match. I got a knock on my right eye and was flat out on the ground. It caused internal bleeding around my left eye as some tissue was damaged quite badly. I was half blind for couple of days but fortunately my vision improved and felt like a boxer having that dark purple patch around my eye for a week or two.
Message from you to the opponents about the upcoming season?
If there’s anything I want to say about the upcoming season it would be “ Never underestimate a team of its size regardless of their strength as a team.”
As he steps on to the field with the mascot under his arm, many a young kid would be inspired. His stature and heart will be a mesmerizing eye opener. Most of all, he would become a great advert to this amazing game by showcasing that rugby is not about how big you are but rather how big you think.
We wish him all the best !
