English rugby league club makes Dannevirke's Weller Hauraki its figurehead

Weller Hauraki has earned great acclaim at the Salford Red Devils as a result of his commitment on and off the rugby league field. Photo / Supplied

Dannevirke rugby league legend Weller Hauraki has been named club captain of his English Super League club Salford Red Devils and he's thrilled.

In an unconventional move, club officials have appointed Hauraki club captain as they build the club's identity.

"Weller Hauraki is the identity we want so that when young lads come in or people from the outside look at Salford and think about what we're about as a club, they see Weller Hauraki," Salford Red Devils coach Ian Watson said.

"He's very good in the community, he's very good off the field with his promotions and the way he talks to the younger players and senior players within the group and then on-field as well - he focuses on his game and leads by his actions.

"He was a big one for us to have - that guy who is the figurehead of the club."

Hauraki has been with the Salford Red Devils for four seasons and has been playing in the English Super League for nine.

"It's a great honour to be given this title," Hauraki told the Dannevirke News.

"As I draw closer to the end of my career here it's pretty amazing fulfilling a dream and to be acknowledged for a leadership role, while being surrounded by so many talented individuals."

Hauraki, his wife Jennifer, the daughter of Dannevirke's Peter and Anne Greatbatch, and the couple's three children, Taj, 7, Taya, 5, and Tana, 3, are enjoying their time in the United Kingdom.

"We are really making the most of our time here, with so many destinations on our doorstep, we're very lucky to experience different places and cultures," Hauraki said.

"The English community are all very welcoming and as we have moved around a bit we are glad for the friendships we have made.

"I'm enjoying promoting the game to the local schools, clubs and businesses as well as the enjoyment of coaching my son's under-8 rugby league team, Eccles Roosters, who are a branch of the Salford club."

Second-rower Weller Hauraki
• Date of birth: February 18, 1985
• Hometown: Dannevirke
• Height: 1.85m
• Previous clubs: Parramatta Eels (2007-2009), Crusaders RL (2010), Leeds Rhinos (2011-2012), Castleford Tigers (2013-2014)
• Salford appearances: 59
• Salford tries: 11
• Honours (team): 2011 Challenge Cup finalist (Leeds Rhinos), 2013 Challenge Cup finalist (Castleford Tigers)
• Honours (personal): New Zealand Maori representative (five appearances)