Josh Beehre's set for dream debut in Whangārei

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A product of Whangārei Boys' High School, Beehre gained his Super Rugby contract after an impressive season with Auckland in last season's Bunnings Cup NPC side.

Beehre said, "It's a pretty special way [to debut]. It couldn't have been drawn up any better. I was at the last Blues game in Whangārei, a bit younger than I am now. I am keen to get started.

"I've been loving [the pre-season]. It's pretty cool having experienced boys around you like Paddy [Patrick Tuipulotu] and Akira [Ioane] and Sam Darry. They've taken me under their wings and I'm learning every day and trying to get better every day. I'm just trying to take all the opportunities I'm given."

Beehre's road to inclusion included a season at Hastings Boys' High School when he was looking for a change of environment, and then he was picked up by the Auckland Academy, playing in the Under-18s and Under-20s.

He said it would be special appearing against the Drua.

"They've got some good power athletes with great skills. I'm excited to test myself against them. We have some pretty physical training sessions and I feel like that's prepared me well."

The heat is expected to be a factor in the game, which will be different from their experience training in snow during their pre-season tour to Japan.

"Being from up north I feel like I'm used to it."

Advice from his teammates was to play his hand effectively and to concentrate on his role.

"I'll be just clearing rucks and doing my job in the lineouts."