Joseph Penitito takes time out for a coffee.

New to the Magpies line-up, Joseph Penitito is balancing a heavier load of rugby commitments with degree study.

Playing for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies has been Joseph’s big dream. The No 8 caught the selectors’ eye playing for Napier Old Boys’ Marist and for the New Zealand Marist Sevens team last year.

The 21-year-old from Onekawa is fully focused on performing well for the Magpies while completing his Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences.

“It’s the last semester of my degree and I’m doing a placement with CYFS. It’s a good feeling to be close to the end of my study.”

Formerly deputy head boy at St John’s College, Joseph started at EIT on a Year 13 degree scholarship and found EIT’s small classes encourage close friendships. Classmates and lecturers help keep him up-to-date when he needs to train.

The learning has also reinforced his belief in the importance of respect.

“Respect is a value that will always be important in Samoan culture. Show respect and it will be shown back to you.”

Enjoying his placement, Joseph would be happy to secure a social worker’s job when he finishes his degree.