Rugby League: Nikau returns to Warrington

New Zealand league player Tawera Nikau surprised his club Warrington yesterday when he returned to England from his wife's funeral in the Waikato.

Nikau, 33, flew home two weeks ago after the sudden death of his wife Letitia last month.

Warrington thought he had played his last game for them.

But Nikau said he would probably stay in the Lancashire town until the school term ended, in July.

He has a daughter, Heaven, 13, and son Tyme, 7.

The northern league season - and his contract - end in September.

Formerly with Castleford, Cronulla Sharks and Melbourne Storm, the north Waikato-raised player joined Warrington on a two-year contract in October 1999.