From www.warriors.co.nz
WAIKATO HOMECOMING AWAITS VODAFONE WARRIORS QUARTET
As many as four Vodafone Warriors face something of a welcome home when they head to Hamilton for next week's round two NRL encounter with Parramatta.
While it's classed as an away fixture - the Eels have again brought this "home" match to Waikato - established first-graders Wairangi Koopu, Lance Hohaia and Louis Anderson plus newcomer Sam Rapira will have a sense of belonging.
All four were educated in the region, Hohaia at St Paul's Collegiate, Rapira at Hamilton Boys' High School, Anderson at Church College of New Zealand and Koopu just a few kilometres north at Te Wharekura O Rakaumanga School in Huntly.
Koopu was back in the area just recently when he met up with fellow Huntly product and champion surfer Daniel Kereopa for a trading places exercise. Initiated by Lion Red, which sponsors both the Vodafone Warriors and Kereopa, the pair surfed at Raglan and a few days later Kereopa joined Koopu and his team-mates for a taste of rugby league training in Auckland.
Hohaia is also Huntly-bred which should ensure some healthy hometown support for Hohaia and Koopu for the "away" match at Waikato Stadium.
The Vodafone Warriors are scheduled to head to Hamilton on Thursday, the trip south incorporating some community activities.
Later in the day, an open training run at Waikato Stadium will give the public a great chance to get up close and personal with the Vodafone warriors, including some of the stars of the Kiwis' Tri-Nations victory as well as the "local" lads.
There will also be a ticket giveaway and a chance for autographs and photos.
WAIKATO HOMECOMING AWAITS VODAFONE WARRIORS QUARTET
As many as four Vodafone Warriors face something of a welcome home when they head to Hamilton for next week's round two NRL encounter with Parramatta.
While it's classed as an away fixture - the Eels have again brought this "home" match to Waikato - established first-graders Wairangi Koopu, Lance Hohaia and Louis Anderson plus newcomer Sam Rapira will have a sense of belonging.
All four were educated in the region, Hohaia at St Paul's Collegiate, Rapira at Hamilton Boys' High School, Anderson at Church College of New Zealand and Koopu just a few kilometres north at Te Wharekura O Rakaumanga School in Huntly.
Koopu was back in the area just recently when he met up with fellow Huntly product and champion surfer Daniel Kereopa for a trading places exercise. Initiated by Lion Red, which sponsors both the Vodafone Warriors and Kereopa, the pair surfed at Raglan and a few days later Kereopa joined Koopu and his team-mates for a taste of rugby league training in Auckland.
Hohaia is also Huntly-bred which should ensure some healthy hometown support for Hohaia and Koopu for the "away" match at Waikato Stadium.
The Vodafone Warriors are scheduled to head to Hamilton on Thursday, the trip south incorporating some community activities.
Later in the day, an open training run at Waikato Stadium will give the public a great chance to get up close and personal with the Vodafone warriors, including some of the stars of the Kiwis' Tri-Nations victory as well as the "local" lads.
There will also be a ticket giveaway and a chance for autographs and photos.
