Elliot signing for Steelers

COUNTIES MANUKAU have edged Wellington in the battle to sign Hika Elliot for this season’s NPC.

While Elliot hasn’t yet signed, an agreement has been reached between the two parties and he should put pen to paper this week.

The three-test hooker was unwanted by Hawke’s Bay this year, with the union claiming they expected him to be in the All Blacks for the Rugby Championship.

However, as expected, Elliot finds himself ranked behind Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore in the All Blacks pecking order.

The Sunday Star-Times reported in April the reason the Magpies didn’t want to keep Elliot was more to do with what Hawke’s Bay considered a poor attitude, rather than an All Blacks call-up.

At the time Elliot rejected such claims.

‘‘We underperformed as a team last year. If they are saying an attitude problem is behind it I don’t know what they are talking about.

‘‘I’ve always put my body on the line for the province.’’

Counties chief executive Andrew Maddock declined to comment, but it is understood the province don’t have any concerns in this area, believing they have a solid team culture led by coach Tana Umaga, one based on selfdiscipline.

The Steelers need of a hooker to replace Mahonri Schwalger, who isn’t expected back until late in the season because of a knee injury.

Wellington wanted Elliot because Coles will be with the All Blacks and Motu Matu’u is also injured.

However, there were two factors that led to Elliot choosing Counties. He lives down the road, in Hamilton, and, as has been the case with many players, Umaga’s presence was a major drawcard.

Elliot played with Umaga at the Chiefs in 2011 and the former All Blacks captain continues to be highly regarded by many New Zealand rugby players.