Mahuri has high hopes

HELENSVALE playmaker Te Ari Mahuri believes this can be the year the Hogs claim a breakthrough first grade title.

Mahuri praised the “standards and expectations” installed by player-coach Tonga Lea’aetoa, who has joined from two-time defending premiers Surfers Paradise.

“He brings a lot of professionalism and is just a new voice for everybody,” Mahuri said. “We want to get that first grade trophy. We’ve won second grade and third grade the last couple of years but still looking for first grade – we think we can get it this year.”