Dalton Papalii wants a ring.
Dalton Papalii celebrates with his Blues teammates. Photo: © Andrew Cornaga / Photosport Ltd 2021 www.photosport.nz
A Super Rugby 'ring' that is.
The All Blacks loose forward finished last year in career best form, after captain Sam Cane was ruled out of the Northern Tour with injury.
Papalii made an instant impact at openside, with his powerful, aggressive defence, ball skills and out and out speed. His ability to read a game and anticipate his rivals moves was also impressive.
The World Cup is very much part of Papalii's plans and, barring injury or catastrophe, he'll be on the All Blacks plane to France later this year.
However, the 25-year-old is a firm believer in living in the present and he has the Super Rugby trophy on his mind, with the challenge to carry over his form from November into the new season.
"Just by holding myself accountable. Taking the lessons from last year and trying to grow my game and improve those areas that I've identified I'm not strong in.
"Have that mindset that it's a new year, what I did last year was last year and I've got plenty to prove out there still. So, I've just got to hold myself accountable and the good thing about the Blues environment is that all the boys are holding me accountable too. I'm just excited to get amongst it.
"A big trait of mine has always been able to live in the moment. I've been really good at knowing what I need to be doing right now. Right now my job is to win a championship with the Blues. The All Blacks can wait. Winning something here is my first priority."
After tasting success in the Covid affected 2021 trans-tasman competition, Papalii winning a full Super Rugby title with the franchise would fulfil a long held dream.
"It would be massive. To be honest I can't really put it into words. It would be a feeling that is hard to describe.
"Winning Super Rugby trans-tasman was just incredible, but winning the big thing, would just mean the world to me. Also for the Blues and for our fans and our region. They put all their faith in us and to win the big one, that would mean a lot to us and the city."
Making a comparison to star basketballers who never managed to win an NBA Championship, the Blues skipper concedes he doesn't want to suffer a similar fate.
"The boys, we talk a lot about the NBA players, all the greats that never got a ring.
"They will still be remembered as greats, but at the end of the day we play this sport to win those moments and claim those championships. So to win Super Rugby? I've said it before but it would just mean the world."
And Papalii doesn't want to win just for himself
"I have a lot of love for the Blues, I'm passionate about the team. Growing up watching rugby the Blues were my first team. This is my home.
"Everyone always asks me, "Oh it's a big year with the World Cup and all that, but at the end of the day, my priority is to win something with the Blues."
The Blues bid for Super Rugby success starts on Saturday night against the Highlanders in Dunedin.
