League: Mihaka making big steps

Hamiora Mihaka knows better than most - size doesn't matter, especially when it comes to rugby league.

The 19-year-old, who was named in the New Zealand University Rugby League team, was told he was too small to play in the forwards when he took up the sport while studying for a degree in engineering at Waikato University.

"I was with the development Warriors. I don't know if it was like a wake-up call but, because of my size, I wasn't the biggest fellow on the field and they were saying I might not be able to compete ... But I didn't let that sort of stop me so I just looked for a different position."

Standing at just 1.76m and 89kg, Mihaka didn't let this hold him back. In fact, he simply moved to the backs where he has impressed. So much so he will travel with the New Zealand University team to England in July.

Making the squad has ticked one off a goal for the Te Arawa and Te Whanau-a-Apanui descendant's goals.

"That was always one of my goals and dreams - to play for my country. So it's a big achievement for me."

The only thing holding him back from making the dream a reality is the $5000 the full-time student has to come up with in two weeks to pay for his trip.

Although he was getting a huge amount of support from his whanau, who were trying to help fund-raise, his aunty Teresa Graham said Mihaka was a hard working youngster who deserved the opportunity.

"He's such a good kid and it would be great if someone could help him out. We would really love any support given, big or small."

A former St Michael's and John Paul College student, Mihaka said his most fond memories of Rotorua were playing rugby.

"I used to play for St Michael's and then went on to JPC playing under-15s and we took out the comp."

Although he had great memories of playing for the rival code, Mihaka said his heart was fully dedicated to league but not at the expense of his other passion, engineering.

"That's what was emphasised [when growing up] was getting a good education and not relying on sport."

Mihaka, who plays centre and fullback says he tries to model his game on Australian NRL player Greg Inglis.

"Some parts of his game anyway, just his speed and probably his strength are the two things I try to emulate."

The university team will be competing in a competition in Leeds in July, which will act as a build-up tournament for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in England and Wales.

He said another Rotorua lad had also made the cut, Shawn Gielen-Relph.

To trial for the national university side players must be nominated by their club coach and be studying at a university or tertiary provider.

Mihaka, who plays for Taniwharau in the Waikato competition, was nominated by his coach John Devonshire.

To help support Mihaka contact Teresa on 027 499 4575.