Joey Porokoru Reid
Position: Loosehead / Tighthead Prop
Started playing: Age 11
Originally from New Zealand, Joey Reid’s rugby story began on the other side of the world — a journey that’s taken him from schoolboy pitches and county-level rugby to the front row of Selby RUFC. After a brief spell playing rugby league, he returned to union, representing both first team and county sides back home before making the move to Selby in 2023.
Joey’s favourite memory from his early rugby days isn’t about trophies or tries — it’s about the friendships that lasted long after the final whistle.
His match-day prep blends home comforts and Kiwi roots: “I listen to NZ roots reggae and have a Dawson’s pork pie — it’s become a bit of a ritual.”
Since arriving at Selby, his highlight has been winning the Regional 2 North East league and earning promotion — a proud moment for the team and one he’ll never forget.
Growing up, Joey admired Carl Hayman and Jerry Collins, and today he enjoys lining up alongside teammates like Jamie Skelton — “loves a shower beer,” he laughs.
The best advice he’s ever received?
“Control the controllables and enjoy every moment — you’re long retired when it’s all done.”
If given the chance, he’d swap lives with Max Wotton for a day, though he’s keen to avoid Max and Sam Broughton in tackle practice — “both a danger to knees everywhere.”
His ideal post-training meal? Steak pie, chips and gravy.
Karaoke song of choice? Josh Turner – Your Man.
Biggest joker? Sam Broughton.
Slowest to get ready? Hola Vea.
If there’s a night out to be organised, Joey’s backing Max Wotton — “he can put together a decent do” — and steering clear of James Bramley, who apparently “shouldn’t be trusted at all.”
As for the dressing room playlist, he’s happy for Liam Hogan to keep control — “and yeah, he should.”
Asked who might make the best coach, he picks Alex Webster — “he’d make a great one.” And if the team ever got stranded on a desert island? Joey’s confident: “I’d have to say myself, tbf.”
What Joey loves most about Selby RUFC is the people:
“Selby is such a friendly and welcoming environment that strives for excellence on and off the pitch.”
He credits his dad as his biggest influence — “He shaped me into the player I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without him.”
If he could speak to his younger self, he’d say:
“Your biggest obstacle is you.”
How would the lads describe him? “Wide, goofy, safe.”
His advice for younger players:
“You never know where this game will take you — give everything a go.”
And what does being part of the Selby family mean to him?
“It means everything. This club has given me a home and a family on the other side of the world — a place of belonging I’ll forever be grateful for.” ❤️??
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