But don’t worry, this isn’t a story about player unrest or infighting. Rather, it’s a tale of two different seasons and the men that are experiencing them.
On one side we have Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, a defender who has had to be content with the odd substitute appearance here and there as Steven Taylor and Luke DeVere established an excellent partnership at the back.
The other is Ulises Davila, the Mexican summer signing who has hit the ground running and now has 13 league goals and three assists.
The Issue
One has hardly featured, the other could do with a break. And that’s where the bye week comes in.
After a narrow 2-1 victory against Newcastle Jets last Friday, Wellington Phoenix have been forced to wait before their next game - a tough clash against Perth Glory.
Davila is glad of it, Hudson-Wihongi is not.
Nobody looks forward to a bye, said the Kiwi native. “I’d rather play every week and keep the momentum going.
“Hopefully I’ll get some minutes with the reserves. I can’t always play for the reserves because I’m on the bench for the first team and that doesn’t line up with the schedule for the reserves.”
Other Side of the Coin
Meanwhile, Davila is at the opposite end of the spectrum. “Yeah its fine, I’m relaxing here in Wellington,” he added. “Enjoying the beach.
“Every player wants to play but in this moment it’s good to refresh the mind, to recharge. It was a good break.”
The two attitudes could not be laid out in starker contrast. Hudson-Wihongi is desperate for minutes and wants to break into the side. To do that, he’s off to play for the reserve to maintain fitness and sharpness.
Davila, relaxed by his fantastic start to life in New Zealand, is taking the time to chill and rest his tired legs while he waits for news about his wife’s pregnancy.
But you can bet your bottom dollar that both will be up for it when competitive duties resume.