RE: Hiku
Young gun Hiku has Slater in his sights
John Chammas | Photo: Renee McKay NRLphotos.com
Wednesday 15 May 2013 4:00 PM
Stand-in Sea Eagles fullback Peta Hiku fired the first shot ahead of Monday night’s grudge match against archrivals Melbourne, confessing his dislike for the defending premiers.
Hiku, who replaced the injured Brett Stewart at the back against the Roosters last Monday admitted beating the Storm at their camping ground would be the highlight of his young career.
“It’s a big game,†Hiku said.
“I don’t really like Melbourne so I really want to beat them," he laughed.
The New Zealand born flyer faces the daunting task of lining up opposite Queensland and Australian fullback Billy Slater, yet Hiku is relishing the opportunity of playing against the best in the business.
“It’s going to be an awesome challenge,†Hiku said.
“Hopefully I come out and have a good game and do my part.â€
Thrown into the deep end in just his second NRL appearance, Stewart’s replacement appeared at home at the back. It's only when it comes to ordering around a star-studded backline that he becomes uncomfortable.
“You don’t really want to yell at them because they’ve got more experience than me, but Snake’s been telling me 'see what you see, play how you play and just play your game’,†Hiku said.
“The team's been real good to me, telling me not to be shy because I am a shy person.
“They all just help me out and give me their own opinions.â€
He’s a long way from his hometown in Auckland, but Hiku has settled in nicely since moving to Sydney's sunny Northern Beaches this year.
The 20-year-old admitted rooming with former Warriors teammate Ligi Sao has certainly helped make the transition into his new club an easy one.
“Its good to come over here with a couple of other New Zealand boys so we’re all living together,†Hiku said.
“It helps me out being away from home but the rest of the team, they’ve brought me in pretty good."
“There are four of us at home, couple of [NSW] Cup players, Ligi Sao, Justin Lemalu, Hass and Jorge at the house.
"Having Jorge around helps me out a bit.â€
http://www.seaeagles.com.au/news-display/Young-gun-Hiku-has-Slater-in-his-sights/74770
We hate Melbourne too, Peta 😀