The NPC midseason review: A tale of resilience, leadership, and unexpected heroes
As the NPC regular season reaches its halfway point, the competition is heating up. With Hawke's Bay still unbeaten, the race for the title is far from over. But amidst the thrilling matches and rising tensions, a few players have stood out for their exceptional performances. Let's take a closer look at the top performers from round five and the stories behind their success.
The Unstoppable Force: Reviz Reihana, Northland
Reviz Reihana, Northland's first-five, was the star of the show in their Ranfurly Shield defense against Tasman. With 15 points, including a crucial try and conversion in the 75th minute, Reihana was the driving force behind their 20-10 victory. His kicking game, especially in the second half, kept Northland anchored in the right parts of the field. What makes Reihana's performance particularly fascinating is his ability to step up in big games. In 2024, he scored 15 points in a failed Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay, showcasing his consistency and impact. Reihana's story is one of resilience and determination, as he continues to shine in a competitive NPC.
The Breakaway Star: Kaylum Boshier, Taranaki
Taranaki needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Kaylum Boshier delivered. With two tries and a commanding display at the breakdowns, Boshier was the standout performer in their 40-26 victory over Canterbury. His ability to control the breakdown and lead tackles (19) and turnovers (3) was crucial in keeping Canterbury off balance. What makes Boshier's performance interesting is his role as a breakdown specialist. With Canterbury struggling to build any flow, Taranaki did the opposite, thanks in part to Boshier's dominance. His performance raises a deeper question: Can breakdown specialists like Boshier become the new stars of rugby?
The Season-Saving Hero: George Worboys, Manawatu
George Worboys, Manawatu's first-five, was the hero of their come-from-behind 36-35 victory over Southland. With five penalties and four conversions, Worboys scored 23 points, the most by a Turbos player against North Harbour since Andre Taylor's 27 in 2009. His cross-kick directly led to a try for Mosese Bason, and he made the first pass in a break that led to a Kyle Brown try. Worboys' performance is particularly fascinating given his background. In 2014, he lost his younger brother Thomas 'Toti' Worboys to leukemia at age 11. Together with his parents Nick and Amelia, George has helped The Children & Young People's Cancer Association raise more than £250,000 for cancer victims and research. His resilience and determination on the field are a testament to his strength off it.
The Unassuming Leader: Frank Lochore, Hawke's Bay
Frank Lochore, Hawke's Bay's blindside, was the unsung hero of their 36-21 victory over Southland. With two well-taken tries and a dozen tackles, Lochore's toil was rewarded. His offload helped create one of two tries for halfback Folau Fakatava. Most impressively, Lochore secured nine of the Magpies' 11 lineout throws in tricky conditions while helping reduce the Stags' lineout to a rabble. They won only a quarter of their own possession. Lochore's performance is particularly interesting given his family background. As the grandson of All Blacks legend Sir Brian Lochore, Frank's professional career gained real momentum in 2025 when he was named Forward of the Year for the Utah Warriors in Major League Rugby. His 303 tackles surpassed Cory Daniel's 2024 record to set a new season high. What this really suggests is that leadership and resilience can come in many forms, and sometimes the unsung heroes are the ones who make the biggest impact.
As the NPC season continues, these players and their stories will continue to shape the competition. From the unstoppable force of Reviz Reihana to the season-saving hero of George Worboys, the NPC is a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unexpected heroes. In my opinion, these players are not just the top performers of round five, but the ones who will define the season and the future of rugby in New Zealand.
