Gentle giant big hit with Hurricane fans

Gerry and Brett Morris with their Newfoundland dogs, Kiana (left), 3 and Nonu, 11 months, during an open training session at Park Island, yesterday. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Hurricanes have been upstaged - by a big, hairy imposter in an official team jersey.

Nonu the Newfoundland is just 11 months old, weighs an impressive 62kg, and donned the official yellow top for his debut at the Hurricanes open training session at Park Island this week.

Trouble is, he almost stole the limelight - gaining more likes on the official team Instagram account than almost any other post.

Not to mention the attention he got on the sideline from children who flocked to meet him.

"He got mobbed - there's not a day goes by they don't put a smile on someone's face," owner Brett Morris says.

He and wife Gerry also have a female pooch Kiana, 3, who attends every Magpies home game as an official mascot of sorts - making an appearance before the match to meet and greet young fans before heading up into the stands for a better vantage point.

She will be at McLean Park for tonight's clash against the Highlanders, but don't expect her to switch allegiance - Kiana will be out wearing black and white, while the little brother stays at home.

Before Nonu, named after the All Black, and Kiana, the couple owned Saskia and Lomu while living in the UK - the latter had a signed photograph of his namesake and Jonah Lomu the man kept a picture of the dog.

While huge in stature - about 6ft 2ins when standing on their hind legs - Newfoundlands are incredibly gentle, an attribute which makes them perfect for therapy work.

"Our first two helped bereaved children in the UK with a charity called Winston's Wish - they would go on the camps and provide therapy for the kids," Mr Morris says.

Now living in Hawke's Bay, Mrs Morris takes Kiana to Cranford Hospice where she is known and loved.

"Because of their size, they can sit and people can still reach them from bed. A lot of patients used to have dogs but, because of their circumstances, can no longer keep them, they seem to get a lot of pleasure from the visits."

Putting paws to the pavement for charity is also common occurrence here with Kiana collecting for the Red Puppy Appeal, Cranford Hospice and Headway House - an association which helps Hawke's Bay people with brain injuries and their families.

Mr Morris said the appeal of the breed was owning a dog that wouldn't be dwarfed walking beside him.

"I am a big man, I would look ridiculous with a poodle." "