Charlie Gubb has had a happy time growing up in Wellington, playing rugby at Wellington College and league for the University Hunters. Now he’s spreading his wings.

NINETEEN year old Charlie Gubb had a big decision to make before Christmas.
The New Zealand Warriors wanted him to play for them, but so did two Australian National Rugby League teams, Manley’s Warringah Sea Eagles and West’s Tigers.
The choice was an easy one for the former Wellington College rugby player
 “I have wanted to play NRL for New Zealand since the fifth form,” says Gubb who’d played rugby for the Wellington College first XV before switching to league in 2008.
Charlie made the switch – somewhat to the school’s annoyance – because league is more like the “lunchtime rugby” he played with schoolmates every day.
“Wellington College is quite a rugby school,” says Charlie’s dad, Paul. “He got in a bit of crap for that – but in saying that it is a great school.”
First XV rugby clashed with University Hunters, so Charlie played league on and off in 2008 – it was the following year that he really sunk his teeth into league. And not long after sending videos of his games to various NRL teams in late 2009, his dad received emails from three teams which hoped to snag the young Gubb.
 “The (financial) offers from the Aussie clubs were better,” says Paul. “But that’s not what it’s about. We are proud Kiwis.”
Paul is one of Charlie’s number one fans and agrees with Charlie’s manager that it wasn’t surprising he was chosen by three clubs simultaneously.
“I have a couple of boys who play really good league,” says Paul.
Charlie’s older brother Peter still plays with the University Hunters, who won almost every game last year, coming third in the Bartercard Premiership.
Charlie’s manager, Frank Endacott, adds: “The NRL is always looking for promising props. Charlie is a talented young player with a great attitude and attributes that every young player should have.”
Paul, who has played a lot of league and rugby in his life, says the Gubbs and the Mexteds – Charlie’s mother’s family – are sporty types. Charlie is related to former All Black Murray Mexted and junior All Black Fraser Mexted.
And despite Charlie’s sporting success he has always been a really down-to-earth kid.
He worked in the family shoe shop when they needed help. This is a women’s shoe specialist that was established by Charlie’s grandfather in 1946. Paul worked there for 24 years.
“Charlie filled in a few times but he was useless,” laughs Paul. “It was all ladies stuff – I think his mother sacked him. No not really, he did help out.”
Charlie adds: “It was awkward serving ladies because I didn’t know what I was talking about,” although his mum often told him that women enjoyed being served by a young man.
One of the things Paul misses most about Charlie living in Wellington is spending time with him on his charter boat, which Paul built in 1993.
“We did everything together. But at least Auckland is only an hour away which is better than three or four to Australia.”
Paul also misses having Charlie around the house – the feeling is mutual.
“I miss living in a clean house,” says Charlie, who doesn’t talk too much.
“He was a pretty tidy kid,” adds Paul. “And he was a good cook. He is now living with five young guys – all Warriors. I have been up there and had a look around. It’s ok. Every now and then they give it a sort out. But it is not what he is used to.”
But Charlie says his flat in Pakuranga is a home away from home.
Fellow Wellingtonians Luke Laban and Matthew Robinson live there – as well as Warriors Sean Scott, Ryan Laurenson and Jarome Kutia. When they are not training they bond over beach cricket at Mission Bay.
See Gubb in action when The Warriors faceoff against The Titans on March 14, 1pm, in Australia.