Toa Kohe-Love ready for the world cup
Perhaps one of the most unknown centres to come out of NZ is Kohe-Love, because he has played most of his football in the UK for the Warrington Wolves he is virtually an unknown.
Fully fit and maturing as a player he has exploded in the UK in 1999 as the top try scorer. In recent form he has scored nine tries in his last seven games, and with his deadly pace he is virtually impossible to catch.
Playing for the Maori team will showcase his skills in the international arena for the first time. With Hoppe, and Kidwell they will make for a dangerous backline and will take advantage of any situation they can.
Warriors fiasco leaves a bitter taste
Despite the warriors shambles and overseas offers, Awen has decided to stick with the Auckland Warriors. Guttenbeil says the past few months have been very stressful and therefore has withdrawn from the Aotearoa Maori World Cup Squad. The Maori team will miss his attacking runs and heavy defence.
He is one of 10 players who have signed the new agreement with the club. Rumors persist that the warriors are also looking at Anthony Mundine, which means if he joins the club it looks like game over for the veteran John Simon.
Simon having joined the club has taken them to new heights after so many lows would be very disappointed at not having his contract renewed.
Rauhihi now a Bulldog
Paul Rauhihi has signed a two-year deal with NRL club Bulldogs. The fiery Newcastle frontrower joined Newcastle mid-season last year from Melbourne and was also named in the Maori world cup team a few weeks ago.
21 August 2000
Nikau Named to Lead Maori
Former Kiwi test loose forward Tawera Nikau has been named to lead the New Zealand Maori side at this years Rugby League World Cup in England.
It is the first time a maori side will compete at a World Cup of any sort.
Nikau, who won the NRL premiership in 1999 with the Melbourne Storm is now playing the European Super League for Warrington and will lead a side full of familiar faces.
They include fellow NZ test players Sean Hoppe and Terry Hermansson.
Tough prop Hermansson, who retired from the Auckland Warriors at the end of this season, says he and his team mates will be on a mission.
"We,ve missed out on the Kiwi team so w'ere going over there to try and prove a point and hopefully we'll do all right," the front-rower said.
Some of the squad, like Hoppe, stand-off Gene Ngaumu and Newcastle's Paul Rauhihi, may yet be called into the NZ Kiwi camp if injuries occur.
Click to see full team
The Rock Guns for Maori Selection
Representing the NZ Maori Side at the rugby league world cup is a difinite option for the Warriors prop Terry Herrmansson
Hermansson is part of the Kiwis World Cup squad, however the team is to be cut to 23 and he says if he is dropped he would be happy to turn out for the maori side.
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