Frequent flyer back for his family - and a grand final

INTERNATIONAL: Takahiwai utility Deane Tuhoro will want to sign off in style for the club with a win in the Scott Electrical Premiership grand final against Otangarei.

DEANE TUHORO will be playing in a grand final, but he has already won one title - keenest rugby league player in New Zealand.

Tuhoro has been flying between Brisbane and New Zealand to play for Takahiwai in the Scott Electrical Premiership.

He has made the trip back for eight games this season, with the final being his ninth appearance. And it hasn't been cheap - the cost of airfares and rentals has been around $15,000.

This is his first season back with the side since they won the premiership in 2008.

After missing Takahiwai's 38-26 semifinal win over Moerewa, Tuhoro has recovered just in time for the grand final against Otangarei.

"I flew back in on Thursday and trained that night. I rested an injury when we beat Moerewa," he said. "Winning that was good for me as it gave me more time to get healthy for the final."

Tuhoro will line up with his two brothers, fullback and captain Hori and second-rower Manu, in the hope of replicating the success of the victorious 2008 team.

They are affectionately known as the "Three Horos".

While a trip from Brisbane to Whangarei seems like a fair distance to cover for a rugby league match, Tuhoro said it's a lot better than his old work trip.

"I used to work in the mines in a FIFO (fly in, fly out) role outside of Perth," he said.

"It took a 5 hour flight to get to Perth, then it was on to another plane for a two-hour flight north to the work site.

"The trip to Whangarei from Brisbane is easy in comparison."

After leaving that position, Tuhoro has gone on to work in geotechnical sciences, consulting with construction sites.

He said it would be huge if Takahiwai could take home the Premiership.

"It will be massive. Takahiwai haven't been able to get over the line since we won in 2008.

"It would be great to win as Manu is retiring at the end of the season."

Manu, the eldest brother, is pumped for the final.

"I've been pretty excited in the build-up," he said.

"Training has been tough, but we had a great one on Thursday night. Just trying to get out all of the nervous energy.

"This is the last time us three brothers will get to play together, so it would be cool to go out on a winning note."

The Tuhoro trio are joined by four cousins, all being the grandchildren of the late Manu and Tottie-Dal Epiha.

Manu said the impact Deane brings to the Takahiwai side is huge.

"It's pretty special, he brings us our missing piece," he said.

"It's good for me and my other brother (Hori) as we lift and play better. We haven't had the chance to play together since 2008 so it would be cool to go out as champions."

The Tuhoro brothers played in junior grades for the Waiouru Bobcats in the Manawatu competition when their father was based at the Army camp. Manu later joined the Army and played for the Central Falcons in the National Bartercard Cup competition.

Manu also represented the NZ Army and toured the UK in a three-test series against the British Army.

Their aunt, Juanita Hool, is secretary at Takahiwai and a board member for Rugby League Northland.

-The grand final kicks off at 2.30pm at Toll Stadium.