Lomu focused on the task ahead
Wellington
January 12, 2000

New Zealand giant Jonah Lomu is determined to put his world cup disappointment behind him by focusing on the task in hand with Wellington.

Despite the intense interest that follows the Kiwi wing, he has remained withdrawn from the media's eye and made only limited comments through his manager, Tony Bedford.

Such is the news drought surrounding the star that his choice of home in Wellington made the front page of three newspapers.

This was of no concern to Hurricanes' coach Graham Mourie. "Jonah just wants to be here and play rugby. I'm sure what Jonah is interested in is being able to train and be as good as he can be," Mourie said.

"I'm hoping he will enjoy the environment, and I'm sure he will. He gets on well with the boys. One of the reasons he wanted to get away from Auckland was to get away from that high-profile stuff.

"Jonah's come down here and he's starting again. He realises he has to prove himself. "No matter how good you are, when you go into a new environment you have to earn respect. It's up to Jonah to go out and earn that respect, and I'm sure he will."

The Super 12 season begins February 25.

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