Paul Rauhihi (From Warrington Guardian)

Paul Rauhihi

Squad No: 19
Date of birth: 03/07/73
Height: 1.87m
Weight: 116kg
Contract expires: November 2007

Paul Rauhihi

New Zealand prop who could prove Warrington's most significant front row signing since the great Les Boyd two decades ago. Rauhihi arrives at The Halliwell Jones Stadium after sharing in the Kiwis' historic Tri-Nations title in 2005. An intimidating enforcer who will give a huge boost to the club's 'go forward', he is a very fit athlete and was consistently among the leading props in the NRL for meterage and offloads. Formerly a radio fitter in the New Zealand navy, Rauhihi came into the professional game comparatively late and did not become a first grader until he was 24. Had been on the books at Auckland Warriors and Melbourne Storm before breaking into the NRL with Newcastle Knights in 1999, his career took off after he signed for Canterbury Bulldogs in 2001, breaking into the New Zealand Test team a year later. Signed for North Queensland Cowboys in 2004 and was a key part of the Cowboys' resurgence over the next two seasons, finishing his career in Townsville in the Grand Final against West Tigers in 2005. The Daily M prop of the Year in the NRL 2004, he captained New Zealand in the Tri-Nations later that year. His name is pronounced "Rrrow-hee-hee".