League: History-maker Wiki already looking to the future

Ruben Wiki is welcomed home by his children Denzel and MacKenzie. Picture / Richard Robinson

Victorious Kiwis captain Ruben Wiki is tired, sore and desperate to spend time with his wife and two children after flying back to Auckland yesterday following the Tri-Nations final win, but there are no thoughts of retirement.

The 32-year-old has embedded his name in league history as a captain and a fine player, his feats sure to be honoured at the New Zealand league awards on Friday night.

There's little doubt he'll be wanted again next year and planning is under way to repeat the win over the Aussies in the Anzac tests in May, Kiwis' technical adviser Graeme Norton said after stepping off the plane with Wiki yesterday.

The Warriors players arrive home today at noon and will go straight to a public barbecue at Ericsson Stadium.

Wiki admitted he still had to get his head around the Tri-Nations success after the final night celebrations and the long flight home. He said he would take 2006 "one step at a time - I have to perform for the Warriors first then we'll see what happens".

He has been the perfect ambassador for league and for his country as well as a first pick in the team and there is no doubt he will retain the captaincy if he retains form.

Coach Brian McClennan had lifted the team with good ideas, good tactics in games and a passion and emotion to create history, Wiki said. "He's an honest man. Everything he says comes straight from the heart. The boys love the way he coaches. It all worked."

The catch-cry for the final was "Slay the Dragon", a quote lifted from US 400m runner Michael Johnson. "We slayed them all right," Wiki said.

Norton said of the win: "Hopefully it's a beginning, a beginning of a time where we can realise domination. We have a great coach, a great captain and the plan is sound."

Young players, including Manu Vatuvai and Bronson Harrison, had come on well. There was mid-grade experience and a balance of veterans and there would be increased pressure for places next season, he predicted. Kiwis not touring, including Benji Marshall and Sonny Bill Williams, stayed in touch constantly by text and were wanting to be part of the squad next year.

Norton's under-13s Auckland championship Northcote team, were at the airport to greet him and passed the Tri-Nations trophy around - good inspiration for the future.

* Nigel Vagana has a broken bone in his foot and will be in a cast for six weeks, but his NRL start next season is not threatened.



KIWIS WELCOME

Flight arrives at 12.10pm
Players arrive at Ericsson Stadium around 1.30pm
Welcome in front of the Eastern Stand, entry via Gate C (Beasley Avenue).
The Kiwis manager Peter Leitch will have sausages sizzling from 1pm.