It’s the story of many threads – a suburban dynasty, a coach who’s held in quiet wonderment, the curious birth of a women’s rugby league team, and a sprawling sports ground that in reality is a community backyard. All these threads are proudly intertwined in this first instalment of a two-part series on Arataki Sports Club stalwart Michael ‘Mickel’ Rawiri by The Weekend Sun reporter Hunter Wells.

“Come on darling,” said the coach. “I’ve got you. You’re coming with me.”

A touching moment that is recounted with deep pride, deep gratitude and even deeper respect. And two teeny, telltale tears.

Jorjah Murray had suffered an excruciating, hyper-extended knee on a rugby league pitch in Kawerau. She saved a try, but not the game.

And when her coach, a sinewy character called Michael “Mickel” Rawiri, came running to her rescue, Jorjah yelled: “No! I don’t want to break you.” Because Jorjah is, by her own admission, a big girl, a beefy lass, maybe 120kg of strapping rugby league prop.

Rawiri didn’t hesitate. He hefted the injured woman and carted her off to safety, to comfort, and to treatment.

“Just one of the reasons we love him,” said Jorjah. She doesn’t use the “love” word flippantly. Because seldom are coaches and delicate, innermost feelings uttered in the same breath.

Rawiri is a 45-year-old coach, inspiration, minder and mentor to the first Arataki Bears Women’s Rugby League team.

“Sounds strange, but he’s the rock and soul of the sisterhood,” said Aimee Murray, the inspiration behind the Bears and “mother” to the team. “Yep, Mickel, an all-round good fella.”

That got Aimee thinking. Why don’t people like Mickel get the recognition they deserve? So Aimee and the Bears women decided to fly his flag. “I’m just surprised this man has not been acknowledged.” Until now. Right here.

Mickel Rawiri – the man who can’t say ‘No’. Photo / Brydie Thompson.

The “good all-round fella” gives every waking moment God gave him to anyone and everyone who kicks a football around Arataki Park – rugby, league or touch, men and women. When not playing, he’s coaching and when not coaching, he’s advising.

“Kind, caring, humble, patient and driven,” said Aimee.

The Links Ave father of four and grandfather is also a father figure to the whole Arataki Sports Club Community and beyond.

“Mickel’s problem is that he can’t say no,” said the coach’s offsider, Ray Atkins.

Women’s rugby training Tuesday and Thursday night, and women’s league Friday night.

“Mmm – my wife would probably say I take on too much,” admits Rawiri. There’s a cautious giggle. “But she says as long as it makes me happy.”

After four years being the Tauranga East coach in the Tai Mitchell kids’ rugby set-up, he’s now the Wasps representative kids’ rugby coach and fixtures organiser and coach of the Mount College mixed touch team.

“He will put his hand up for anything,” said Atkins. “The community needs people like Mickel Rawiri.”

The world age group touch champion in full flight. Photo / Supplied

And’s he’s just finished a season of playing touch at a national tournament in Christchurch. Touch is Mickel’s gig. He won gold at last year’s over-40s world championships in the UK and he was most valuable player in the final. The “all-round good fella” himself is the self-effacing type; he doesn’t seek or enjoy attention. Michael Rawiri – aka Mickel, DJ Mickel, Mickey Chow, Kookie, Dad, coach, cuz – he answers to them all. He just doesn’t like talking about himself. But that’s okay Mickel, because there are lots of other people who will. Glowingly, reverentially.

“A wairua – a spirit – surrounds him,” offered Atkins. “He’d sit at the back and immediately be asked to move up front.” He’s the epitome of mana.

Quietly spoken, but everyone listens, humble but knowledgeable, caring and talented, they say. A very special e hoa, or friend, to Atkins. “Mickel is someone you aspire to be like. And I am here because he is here.”

Arataki Sports Club president Billy Russell said: “It’s always about manaakitanga (respect, generosity and care) with Mickel. [He’s] the uncle you never knew you had.”

Rawiri say it’s “no point having all this sporting experience and wisdom and not sharing it”. “And it makes me happy.” Like when Aimee Murray put out feelers on social media for a first-ever Arataki Sports Club women’s league team last year. “Mickel dropped off his daughter for the first workout and 10 minutes later he was running drills. By week three, he was coach.”

Next week, The Weekend Sun finds out what drives Mickel Rawiri, a legend from the first family of Arataki Park and a dream rising from the ashes.