ANOTHER GETNOTICEDONLINE.CO.UK EXCLUSIVE

WHITEHAVEN have re-signed Kiwi star Tane Manihera for the 2009 season – and he’s delighted.

There had been some speculation that the 34-year-old might be on his way back to previous club Workington Town.

But he has accepted a 12-month deal with the Recreation Ground club to play in National One, although he won’t be back in contention until after the rugby union season is over.

Manihera is back playing with Wigton in the North Lancs Cumbria League, where his seven-year-old son Theo is a promising member of the Under-8’s.

He said in an exclusive interview with getnoticedonline.co.uk today: “Once Whitehaven said they wanted to re-sign me I didn’t take much persuading.

“I really enjoyed playing there last season. It was great with so many New Zealanders and the crack with the locals was brilliant. Ged’s enthusiasm got everyone going.

“I don’t see any reason why we can’t kick on from what was achieved last season and have a good 2009.

“If Whitehaven hadn’t been ready to sign me I would still have wanted to keep on playing and I would probably have gone back to Workington Town.

“However, I have given a commitment to Wigton and hopefully they will be in contention for honours at the end of the season. I would want to play for them as long as possible if they were.

“My father-in-law is the chairman and my brother-in-law is on the team. I have a lot of respect for the coach Malcolm Brown and the people around him on the coaching side of things.

“There’s a good buzz around Lowmoor Road with some good youngsters coming through, and I’m also pleased to say that my own boy has started playing for the UInder-8’s so I have plenty of involvement with the club.”

Manihera, who has played for Carlisle, Widnes, Barrow, Workington and Whitehaven in his British career, will miss the Northern Rail Cup competition for Haven but is likely to be ready for the start of the League season.

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