Front-row enforcer who endured a difficult first season at the Wolves with nearly twenty weeks in total lost to injury in 2006. Rauhihi was able to show glimpses of the form which saw him billed as one of the world's premier props, notably in a first-rate home performance against Leeds Rhinos. An intimidating ball carrier, Rauhihi was consistently near the top of the NRL meterage and offloads charts before signing for the Wolves from North Queensland Cowboys at the end of the 2005 season. Formerly a radio fitter in the New Zealand navy, Rauhihi was a comparatively late starter in professional rugby league, not making his first grade breakthrough until the age of 24. Was on the books of Auckland Warriors and Melbourne Storm before he hit first grade with Newcastle Knights in 1999, his career took off after signing for Canterbury Bulldogs in 2001, and he made his Test debut for the Kiwis a year later. Signed for the Cowboys in 2004 and was a key part of the club's resurgence under Graham Murray over the next two seasons, and he finished his NRL career with a Grand Final appearance against West Tigers in 2005. Dally M Prop of the Year in 2004, he captained New Zealand in the Tri Nations series later that year. His name is pronounced "Rrrow-hee-hee".
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