Hitro Okesene

John Haitrosene "Hitro" Okesene (born 22 September 1970), also known by the nickname "Nitro", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s and represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand.

Background He was born in Auckland, New Zealand. His brother Paul also played international rugby league.

Playing career His early years saw him play in both Auckland competitions, for the Manukau club, and for Carlisle in the English competition during the New Zealand off-season. In 1994 he captained the Counties Manukau Heroes in the Lion Red Cup, and in 1995 was part of the inaugural Auckland Warriors squad. He stayed with Auckland for another two seasons before moving the England to play in the Super League. He played for both the Hull Sharks and Featherstone Rovers before settling at lower division club, Workington Town. There, as in Auckland, he became a cult figure.

Representative career Okesene was a Junior Kiwi in 1988 and 1989. In 1988 he also represented Western Samoa in the Pacific Cup. He later represented American Samoa at the 1992 Pacific Cup alongside his brother Paul.

He played at either or and represented the New Zealand on five occasions both on the 1994 tour of Australia and Papua New Guinea, and at the 1995 Rugby League World Cup.

Retirement In 2003 he retired due to knee troubles and became coach of the Ellenborough Rangers who competed in the Cumbria Amateur Rugby League. He was replaced in 2005 but remains in Cumbria, working in the construction industry.

Personal life Okesene now resides in Cumbria with his wife Donna and three children: Shakayla, Giovanna and Lerocco.