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Warriors hooker Aaron Heremaia - Source: Photosport -
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Warriors hooker Aaron Heremaia is fitter than ever before and knows this is his time to shine.
With starting rake Ian Henderson ruled out until at least round three due to a knee injury, Heremaia is coach Ivan Cleary's most likely replacement.
During the pre-season Heremaia has been impressive and if he can kick on during round one and two, Henderson may have trouble getting back into the side.
"It's a good opportunity for me. It's bad luck for Hendo but it opens the door for me," Heremaia told tvnz.co.nz.
"No-one's guaranteed a spot so the minute you slip up someone else is gonna step up. You need to not only be playing well but training well too."
It has been a gruelling off-season for the 27-year-old but the results speak for themselves as he's come back stronger, fitter and faster than ever before.
"It's been a tough off-season, a lot of running. We didn't see any ball until the last week of December so about seven weeks of straight running and gym work which I think has paid off.
"It's been one of the hardest pre-seasons I've ever had."
Heremaia made his Warriors debut in round 12 last season and ending up playing a hand in 12 games.
He says his confidence has improved tremendously since then and he knows he can compete at the highest level.
Heremaia is also tipping the Warriors to score a lot of points in 2010 and is excited about what that could lead to.
"Our attack has come on in leaps and bounds.
"We're promoting the ball a lot more and working for each other so getting more cohesion will help."
The Warriors launch their NRL campaign against the Gold Coast
Titans at Skilled Park on March 14.
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