If you want the low down on Waitakere City, Malcolm Marshall is your man.

Marshall is this week’s Unsung Hero.

He walked into the club more than 30 years ago and has never left.

Marshall joined, the then-Te Atatu club, when his sons showed interest in playing rugby. 

“In that first year I coached a team, the second year I joined the junior committee and have been doing bits and pieces ever since,” said Marshall.

Bits and pieces is an understatement. Marshall has held a plethora of roles in his time and currently is the Chair of the Old Boys association, on the committee, a Life Member and his company, Absolute Kitchens, is a major sponsor.

“It’s a big part of my life. But there a lot of loyal members here and we all want the best for the club,” said Marshall.

Club Chairman Jason Ranson said Marshall does a huge amount of work for the club.

“His job is a thankless one and quite frankly not that many people realise how much work he puts into the club on a weekly basis,” said Ranson.

Marshall says the undoubted highlight was when Waitakere City made the Gallaher Shield final in 2005 against Ponsonby.

“I want us to get to the final again.

“We have good coaching staff and very loyal players. We’re starting to see the fruits of those players staying, along with some good players coming through the grades.”

Marshall said the club is a big part of his life and would encourage people to get involved in their local club.

“My advice would be to get behind them and enjoy it.

“Work through the hard times, it can’t get you down if you don’t find the enjoyment in it.”