After being sidelined for more than half of his first season at the Wolves with injury, the powerful New Zealander was one of the quiet achievers of 2007, finishing the year as both the Wolves top metre maker and offloader, and winning a one-year contract extension. He was billed as one of the game's premier props when he signed for the Wolves at the end of 2005 from North Queensland Cowboys, having consistently been near the top of the meterage and offload charts in the NRL. 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 at 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".
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article