Standing Tall

The Tawera Nikau Story

By Richard Becht | Publisher: HarperCollins

About the book


tawera Nikau is an exceptional athlete and veteran of international rugby league at the highest levels, with a faithful following of fans in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. His career on the field has been spectacular, but events off the field have created an air of intrigue, especially his well-documented antagonism towards fellow Kiwi international Richie Blackmore - to the extent that he refused a spot on the New Zealand team if it meant playing alongside Blackmore. the tragic suicide of his wife, Lutetia and his recent motorcycle accident which resulted in the amputation of his right leg, have seen him occupy more than a few headlines. Undaunted, he has risen above his own personal loss and tragedy to become an inspirational figure, through his fight back to physical fitness and competitive sport, setting himself a personal goal to become a Paralympian, to his work with troubled youth in his hometown of Huntley, NZ, through the funding and establishment of a gym and training facility. He is also giving something back to league, and is coaching a Huntley-based team in the national league competition in 2004. His story of life at the top of his sport, and the personal cost of his career and the challenges he has had to overcome, make for a gripping and revealing biography of an inspirational New Zealander.

Editions of Standing Tall

Paperback
ISBN 9781869505332
EBook
ISBN 9781743097540

Read an Excerpt


tawera Nikau is an exceptional athlete and veteran of international rugby league at the highest levels, with a faithful following of fans in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. His career on the field has been spectacular, but events off the field have created an air of intrigue, especially his well-documented antagonism towards fellow Kiwi international Richie Blackmore - to the extent that he refused a spot on the New Zealand team if it meant playing alongside Blackmore. the tragic suicide of his wife, Lutetia and his recent motorcycle accident which resulted in the amputation of his right leg, have seen him occupy more than a few headlines. Undaunted, he has risen above his own personal loss and tragedy to become an inspirational figure, through his fight back to physical fitness and competitive sport, setting himself a personal goal to become a Paralympian, to his work with troubled youth in his hometown of Huntley, NZ, through the funding and establishment of a gym and training facility. He is also giving something back to league, and is coaching a Huntley-based team in the national league competition in 2004. His story of life at the top of his sport, and the personal cost of his career and the challenges he has had to overcome, make for a gripping and revealing biography of an inspirational New Zealander.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Standing Tall about?


tawera Nikau is an exceptional athlete and veteran of international rugby league at the highest levels, with a faithful following of fans in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. His career on the field has been spectacular, but events off the field have created an air of intrigue, especially his well-documented antagonism towards fellow Kiwi international Richie Blackmore - to the extent that he refused a spot on the New Zealand team if it meant playing alongside Blackmore. the tragic suicide of his wife, Lutetia and his recent motorcycle accident which resulted in the amputation of his right leg, have seen him occupy more than a few headlines. Undaunted, he has risen above his own personal loss and tragedy to become an inspirational figure, through his fight back to physical fitness and competitive sport, setting himself a personal goal to become a Paralympian, to his work with troubled youth in his hometown of Huntley, NZ, through the funding and establishment of a gym and training facility. He is also giving something back to league, and is coaching a Huntley-based team in the national league competition in 2004. His story of life at the top of his sport, and the personal cost of his career and the challenges he has had to overcome, make for a gripping and revealing biography of an inspirational New Zealander.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Standing Tall?

Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: sport > Autobiography: sport

Where can I read a sample of Standing Tall?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781869505332

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Standing Tall?

Richard Becht

Who is the Publisher of the book Standing Tall?

HarperCollins

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Standing Tall is available as paperback(ISBN 9781869505332) and ebook(ISBN 9781743097540)

Where can I buy Standing Tall online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Standing Tall from below

Where can I buy Standing Tall?