Tawera Nikau

Rugby Player

Tawera Nikau was born in Huntly, Waikato Region, New Zealand on January 1st, 1967 and is the Rugby Player. At the age of 57, Tawera Nikau biography, profession, age, height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, measurements, education, career, dating/affair, family, news updates, and networth are available.

Date of Birth
January 1, 1967
Nationality
New Zealand
Place of Birth
Huntly, Waikato Region, New Zealand
Age
57 years old
Zodiac Sign
Capricorn
Profession
Rugby League Player
Tawera Nikau Height, Weight, Eye Color and Hair Color

At 57 years old, Tawera Nikau physical status not available right now. We will update Tawera Nikau's height, weight, eye color, hair color, build, and measurements.

Height
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Weight
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Tawera Nikau Religion, Education, and Hobbies
Religion
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Hobbies
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Education
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Tawera Nikau Spouse(s), Children, Affair, Parents, and Family
Spouse(s)
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Children
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Dating / Affair
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Tawera Nikau Career

A Waikato and Auckland representative, Nikau played his early club football for the Otahuhu Leopards, Sheffield Eagles, York Wasps (1990-1) and Castleford Tigers (Heritage № 692). Tawera Nikau played loose forward in New Zealand's 0–17 defeat by Great Britain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 16 October 1993. Tawera Nikau played loose forward in Castleford's 12–28 defeat by Wigan in the 1992 Challenge Cup Final during the 1991–92 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 2 May 1992, in front of a crowd of 77,386. Tawera Nikau played loose forward in Castleford Tigers' 33–2 victory over Wigan in the 1993–94 Regal Trophy Final during the 1993–94 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 22 January 1994. He spent the 1988 season with the Canterbury Bulldogs on the New Zealand Rugby League's "Rookie Scheme". Having already spent several seasons playing in England, during which time he earned representative honours for New Zealand, from 1996 to 1999, Nikau played in the Australian NRL, spending the 1996–1997 with the Cronulla Sharks, losing the 1997 Super League Grand Final to the Broncos in Brisbane. He joined the Melbourne Storm team in its 1998 inaugural year, helping the team reach a third-place finish in the minor premiership. Melbourne also did well the following season and Nikau played as a lock in the 1999 NRL Grand Final victory over the St. George-Illawarra Dragons. Nikau's performance has been credited with sparking Melbourne's second-half comeback. From 1999 to 2001, Nikau was under contract with Super League franchise, the Warrington Wolves.

As a player, he was known for his high energy, fearless charges and his sometimes terrifying facial expressions while playing. In defense he was often seen to be "everywhere"; making a tackle on one side of the field and the following the ball to complete a tackle on the other.

Nikau suffered a personal tragedy on 5 April 2001, when his wife Letitia committed suicide. After taking some time from rugby to spend with his children in New Zealand, Nikau completed the season. He won in a charity boxing match in June 2002 against Samoan rugby union footballer Peter Fatialofa, supporting the Yellow Ribbon Fight for Life to prevent youth suicide.

Representative career

Between 1989 and 1997 Nikau was a New Zealand national rugby league team representative, although his international career was hindered by a dispute with Richie Blackmore that resulted in his refusal to play in the same side as Blackmore.

Nikau toured with the New Zealand Māori side in 1996 and 1998 and played at the 1986 Pacific Cup.

Nikau attended the 2000 World Cup as captain of the Aotearoa Māori side.

Source

Footy great Tawera Nikau reveals the heartbreaking reason he told doctors to amputate his leg instead of saving it after his wife's tragic death

www.dailymail.co.uk, October 3, 2024
Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau (pictured left with wife Letitia, and right, playing footy after his amputation) has opened up on the agonising decision he made after a motorbike accident left his right leg in ruins - and why he has no regrets.