Hooker Hikawera Elliot thrown lifeline in Super Rugby with Chiefs. Elliot's playing days seemed over since a bad neck injury sustained while playing for the Māori All Blacks against Canada in November 2013.
The Former All Black had considered retirement from Rugby but was determined to make a full recovery.
After months of rehabilitation Hikawera Elliot says he is back to his best.
“It’s quite daunting not knowing whether or not I was going to be able to play footy again. Thant kick in the butt was when I looked at the scales and I was about 125 kilos,” says Elliot.
Officially Hikawera re-joins the Chiefs as injury cover with a desire to make the final 22-man squad.
According to Elliot, “It’s about training wiser, doing more for my neck and trying to keep myself on the field.”
He made an appearance with Poverty Bay last season in the Heartland Competition that was agreed to by Poverty Bay coach Mutu Ngarimu.
Hikawera's injury meant Quentin MacDonald was called into the Māori All Blacks squad as cover, he brings a lot to the Chiefs fold this year.
He adds another key motivation for his return is to make the All Black World Cup Squad this year.