Weller Hauraki expects Kiwi impact at RLWC2013

Castleford Tigers forward Weller Hauraki is anticipating a big year for Rugby League, with the World Cup coming to British shores at the end of 2013.

He also expects the New Zealand side to be pushing hard to make up for the disappointment of 2011’s Four Nations, when they were beaten by England.

“I think having the World Cup here at the end of the year is going to be massive,” Hauraki told Love Rugby League.

“I’ll definitely be cheering them on. I think they’ll go really well. After the Four Nations in 2012, they’ll want to prove people wrong and be ready for a big tournament.”

Hauraki could have been playing at the World Cup himself, if the Maori had entered a team like they have done in the past.

“I don’t know the full story behind that [lack of a Maori team], but I think we would have been good enough to compete there,” he said.

“I think it’ll just push people to try harder to make the Kiwis for the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Hauraki is also pleased to be working with a coach like Ian Millward, someone for whom he has plenty of respect.

“Coaches have got their different ways for dealing with things,” said the Maori back rower.

“I think ‘Basil’ is really good. He talks to you each week and lets you know what you need to do, and what not to do.

“He’s been really good when it comes to communication and that sort of thing.”