Wiki touches sky on 300th appearance
June 29th 2008 10:11
Ruben Wiki was heart and soul for the Warriors this afternoon
Ruben Wiki testifies a true League legend.
Never one to stand on the spotlight, Wiki went the extra mile today on an afternoon that was his for rememberance
Back when he debuted in 1993 for the Canberra Raiders, people knew this tough Kiwi wasn't going to wear a pink polo. His first few hits in defence caused bones to pop out of place which eventually saw him sent off like a bad boys street team.
Unable to secure the lock on his tackling technique, Wiki planned to use his shoulders in a legal albeit brutal fashion. Once perfected, the man hit opponents like a van crashing into the great wall of China.
All pessimists who have encountered the Wiki power would say otherwise. His shoulders were both unavoidable and had the potential to send opponents back to their apartments feeling dazed and confused.
All legal of course.
300 games on and Wiki still offers the same starch and grunt and we got the full dose at Leichardt this afternoon.
Now apart of an illustrious club, Wiki felt compelled to stand tall and put his body on the line for a side struggling for both form and confidence.
While the Tigers wanted to dance, Wiki and his band of Warriors prepared themselves for an hour of brutality and power.
This was Wiki's time to shine.
The lines were drawn early on. Wiki and his side mean't business and on due time put the Tigers on notice.
The Kiwi legend's first touch of the ball resulted in a run of pure force and determination. A run made in heaven for the Warriors and an accident costing the Tigers plenty.
Later on, fellow Kiwi star Ben Te'o hit Wiki with a high forearm. Like muscle hitting rock, Wiki beat the pain and rolled forward.
Although some would have nervous breakdowns running at a New Zealander, there are few better than Wiki in absorbing a collision and coming out the victor.
Like a man on an airoplane, Wiki was feeling high today. High enough to suggest more plane tickets could come his way for a man of his courage and character.
Since the early days of 1993, Wiki - who has gone on to play over fifty tests for the Kiwis, has never been one to act different on or off the field.
Even if there were wrongs early in his career, Wiki has rewritten the script. Those same wrongs have allowed him to become one of the NRL's most respected and regarded forwards.
On the verge of retirement, Wiki never seems to slow down in both an NRL game or life for that matter.
When his words come out in the open, everyone listens whether it be player, family or coach.
His actions however have spoken louder than his words ever could. After today's performance in upsetting the Tigers, Wiki possessed all fans at the ground ,like electricity charges our homes.
His time on the field was as correct as a forward of his calibre can be.
9 hit-ups for 112 metres. A fresh pair of Ruben Wiki if there ever was one.
Fifteen years in the top grade and Wiki still represents everything New Zealand hold dear.
Like a bulls horns charging at anything red, Wiki's style of play still leaves opponents shaking at the prospect of charging at New Zealand's most resilent forward.
At the climax of what was a thrilling contest, Wiki stood in the middle of Leichardt oval with his first coach Tim Sheens.
Two good mates bond once again. Wiki's sunday afternoon will not be forgotten
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