Hauraki's solid start to premier career

Former Northland schoolboy rep Iwi Hauraki was pleased with his NRL Premier grade debut but will spend the rest of the week in anticipation of the Roosters releasing their team list this week.
"Feedback from the coaching staff and the rest of the players was all good and really positive and I'm hopeful I get another chance next week, but we'll just have to see what happens," he said.
The 22-year-old had a solid start to his premier grade career with some good defence, making 13 tackles, one of them a great spot tackle on Newcastle's Danny Wicks which saved a certain try and earned the plaudits from the television commentary team.
More importantly his parents were in the stand to see him play his big game.
"Mum and dad came over to watch and they loved it and they got the VIP treatment from the club," Hauraki said.
Playing in front of the Roosters 2010 coach Brian Smith - Newcastle's current coach - the visitors did their best to impress their new boss as they ran in five tries to three to embarrass the home side at Energy Australia Stadium at Newcastle.
The Roosters' season has been a grim one but the win - only their fifth of the season - moves them level with Cronulla in the battle for the wooden spoon.
Hauraki said the highlight for him was running out in front of the big crowd in Newcastle.
"It was awesome to hear them screaming ... the game was really fast, a step up from the New South Wales Cup - a big step up," he said.