Fatai Tutuila’s dream of taking the field in his very own Blues jersey will come true this weekend, thanks to the Mercury Energy Rugby Club – a new initiative giving Mercury Energy customers access to exclusive deals at Blues, Auckland Rugby and North Harbour games.

As the first Mercury Mascot, Fatai (10) will become an honorary Blue for a night, delivering the match ball for the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 opener between the Blues and Hurricanes before watching the game from the Blues’ bench.

The rugby-mad Mangere student will join the Blues for their post-match debrief in the changing shed, have his own autograph session with the team and take home a personalised Blues match jersey.

Fatai recently finished treatment for Burkett’s Lymphoma, a cancer which attacks the lymph nodes.
 
While undergoing chemotherapy, Fatai became Starship Hospital’s Nintendo Wii rugby champion and Make-A-Wish New Zealand has just granted his wish for his own Wii entertainment system.

Fatai’s favourite Blues player, Isaia Toeava said the Mercury Mascot was a great way for kids to get a taste of the game day experience.

“Fatai will be right there with us on the bench and in the shed afterwards, so he’ll get a good idea of what it’s like to be a Blues player on game day," Toeava said.

"We’re all looking forward to having him with us for our first game this season.”

The Mercury Energy Rugby Club gives Mercury Energy customers fantastic ticket and stadium food and beverage deals.

Offers include a $36.80 family pass for two adults and two children to the Mercury Energy Family Area at Eden Park, a saving of almost $10 on standard ticket prices. Rugby Club membership costs only $1 per month.

Mercury Energy Rugby Club members can also win money-can’t buy rugby experiences, including the chance to be the Mercury Mascot at Blues, Auckland Rugby and North Harbour home games and the opportunity to play against the Blues with your mates in the Mercury Backyard Footy competition.

Mercury Energy’s general manager James Munro says: “Research shows that like most Kiwis, our customers are huge rugby fans, with thousands playing and watching the game every week. We’re excited our partnership will give our customers a reason to support their team at more home games this season.”