Karl Temata signs for another year : Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:00 pm
Great News on the QUins Web SiteKiwi prop Karl Temata has signed a new one-year deal with Harlequins RL. This will be the seventh season in the capital for the former New Zealand Warrior and is a real boost for the Quins pack following Danny Ward's re-signing.
Share Karl's 2010 campaign was blighted by injury, restricting him to 13 appearances but since his arrival in 2005, he has shown himself to be a formidable force up front.
"I have been in London for five years and I am very comfortable here and consider it my home," he said. "I have so much confidence in the club and will do my best to take them up the table next season."
Acting Harlequins RL head coach Rob Powell is delighted Karl has re-signed. "He has had a hard two years with injury but when fit, he is one of the most consistent props in the competition and an asset to any club," said Rob.
Born in Whangarei, Karl, 32, didn't play Rugby League until he was 15 and was initially a winger. In fact he appeared in that position for the Cook Islands in the 2000 World Cup and scored a try in their match against Wales.
But by the time he joined the New Zealand Warriors in 2002 Karl had moved into the pack. However, he retained the speed and agility from his days in the threequarters which turned him into an outstanding prop.
Karl came to London in 2005, making three late season appearances which included the play-off defeat at Bradford. He began the 2006 season in fine form but subsequently missed much of the campaign through injury.
Over the following two seasons his consistent performances in the front row have earned him regular plaudits and at the end of the 2008 season was named Forward of the Year. The following year he picked up the club's Player of the Year award.
