|
Still only 23, he's a sporting genius and already one of New Zealand rugby league's best players of all time. Seemingly set to re-write all sorts of New Zealand records including Gary Freeman's world record 46 test appearances. A Warriors original from their debut season in 1995, although he didn't break into the first grade side until later that year. When he did, there was no stopping him. Has since gone on to become the first player to register 100 first grade outings for the club, his century brought up in the Warriors' breathtaking 42-0 demolition of Newcastle last year. When he played against Wests the following week he completed a run of 100 consecutive appearances. His dazzling personal display against Australia in the Tri Series a few weeks later (the Kiwis winning 24-22) was also his 19th straight test since his 1995 debut. But the following week he had his left arm broken playing against Tonga ending his unblemished run of test outings. His NRL record run will also be interrupted this year, his injury keeping him out of the start of the 2000 campaign. A product of Auckland's league stronghold St Paul's College and the City-Point Chevalier club, he captained the Junior Kiwis in 1994. Has developed an exceptional all-round game, improving even more since John Simon's arrival at Ericsson Stadium midway through last season. Without the weight of the captaincy, he was freed up to display his full range of skills. Has scored six test tries and 39 for the Warriors.
|
