League: Let's get this Ropati started

When it comes to famous league families, there are few better known in New Zealand than the Ropatis. Iva, Peter and Tea had long and distinguished careers at domestic and international level and now their 'nephew', Jerome, is carrying on the proud family tradition.

Or the 20-year-old Warriors utility back would be, but for one minor detail - he's not actually related to that Ropati clan.

It's a commonly held misconception and one that has not only got out of hand but also has pressures associated with it.

"They are my uncles on the field," Jerome says cheekily. "The name goes with me everywhere and I'm always keen to live up to what my uncles have done."

It's not the only pressure Ropati is feeling as the Warriors kick-off their 2005 NRL campaign today against the Manly Sea Eagles, there's also the added pressure of breaking into a Warriors side that is as congested as the Southern Motorway.

Ropati's versatility - his player profile lists him as a stand-off, centre or fullback - means he's competing for a number of jerseys, although the No 6 is where his main ambitions lie. Standing in his way is Kiwi incumbent Lance Hohaia.

After an impressive pre-season, the 21-year-old Hohaia has earned the first stand-off jersey to take on Manly today but coach Tony Kemp admits that picking between Hohaia and Ropati was a hard decision.

"Jerome can consider himself unlucky not to be starting," Kemp said. "But Lance has responded and been one of our best players pre-season. As I have said, I will pick on form.

"Jerome's utility value is amazing and I can't see another kid in the competition doing what Jerome can," said Kemp.

For Ropati, it's a case of biding his time and taking his opportunities. "I feel most at home at six but I love playing fullback as well," he said. "I don't care where I play as long as I am part of the 17."

Hohaia is well aware Ropati is in the wings, particularly after a mixed 2004 that reflected the Warriors' woes last season but attributes his return to form to being fitter than he has ever been after major knee reconstruction.

"My knee was playing on my mind last season and it knocked my confidence," Hohaia said. "But now I'm loving my footy and looking forward to some front-foot ball against Manly to have a good crack at them."

All eyes will be on new signings Steve Price, Ruben Wiki, Todd Byrne and Nathan Fien and it has been Fien's combination with Stacey Jones and Hohaia that has excited Kemp so far.

It's a clean slate for the Warriors, which is in stark contrast to when they met the Sea Eagles in the middle rounds of last season when both teams were among the favourites for the wooden spoon. Manly beat the Warriors 42-20 at Ericsson and they have been boosted by the return of veteran centre Terry Hill.

The Warriors' defensive system will see Hohaia with the unenviable job of marking Hill, who links up with his old partner in crime John Hopoate. "Those two are obviously class players and if we don't get on top of them early they will make us pay," Hohaia said. "They are a very proud club and last year would've have hurt them as much as it did us. It should be a hell of a match because we both have plenty to prove."