They play different codes but Ben Wheeler says he and his older brother Joe, a lock forward for the Highlanders Super 15 rugby team, share a sibling rivalry that will never die.
The 23-year-old from the Devon Hotel Central Stags was recently named in the New Zealand XI for the BLACKCAPS upcoming tour of England, meanwhile Joe has been in the thick of it as the Highlanders have been delivering superb rugby in the south.
“We are bloody competitive,” Ben says with a laugh. “We all [and older brother Sam] love beating each other at whatever we are playing. Joe and I are always watching how each other is going and want to perform better because of that rivalry.”
Sport runs in the Wheeler family as their grandfather Ray Dowker was a multi-talented athlete who represented Canterbury in cricket, football and many other codes.
Ben says the competition in a range of sports is always pretty intense when the Wheeler boys get home for Christmas.
Ben, who plays off an 8 handicap, has the bragging rights at the moment over Joe and his eldest brother Sam after he took out the annual Christmas golf match last summer.
“Joe tries to bounce me in the backyard cricket but I straighten him out pretty quickly.”
Wheeler hopes that he has more to talk about after his first ever visit to England. He got the call during the final day of the Plunket Shield and was on cloud nine.
“It is something that has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember,” he says. “Growing up I always wanted to represent New Zealand and to get there is a huge sense of satisfaction. Mum and Dad were really proud. It has been pretty exciting time for our family.”
Wheeler is playing the warm-up games and then will help with the preparation for the First Test against England at Lord’s from May 21.
“Hopefully I can take my chance and this is a stepping stone to further opportunities with the BLACKCAPS. I am hoping to get in front of Mike [Hesson] and the selectors and show my skills and what I am capable of.”
Wheeler, an accomplished all-rounder, has been sidling up next to BLACKCAPS and fellow Stags fast bowler Doug Bracewell about what to expect in the English conditions.
“Douggie has been teaching me how to bowl with the Duke Ball and talking about the lengths to bowl over there. He tells me that I am in for a treat with the places we are going to and the food we will eat. It should be a great experience.”
Wheeler earns his place in the BLACKCAPS touring party after a consistent season with the Stags.
He finished the season on a high with an undefeated 55 with the bat and figures of 3-40 with the ball against Wellington.
The former New Zealand Under 19 rep, who played in the U-19 World Cup, has been on a steady progression to the national side and feels like he is improving season by season.
Wheeler says it was nice to have an injury free season after years of back, leg and side strain complaints in the past few seasons.
“That is the fast bowlers’ lot I guess,” he says. “It takes its toll on the body but this year has been great with some consistent time on the park. That is when I feel I play my best.”
His older brother has been pretty much the same. The Tasman Makos lock forward has shrugged off regular injuries to be in the engine room of the uncompromising Highlanders pack.
“Joe has been playing great this year and I follow his progress pretty closely. Hopefully I can follow his lead and have a good tour so we have something to talk about when I get home.”
Ben Wheeler is a young man on the cusp of his international career and he could not be more excited.
He wants to learn as much as he can from the seasoned campaigners in the BLACKCAPS Test line up and get an understanding of what goes into preparing for a Test match.
“This is a great opportunity for me. I am going to get over there, enjoy myself and give it everything.”
Click Here for the BLACKCAPS Fixtures on the Tour of England
