A shoulder injury in his comeback game at Twickenham in the Martin Johnson testimonial game in June ended Lomu's hopes of featuring in 2005, but Harbour coach Allan Pollock has made sure the All Blacks legend is kept busy.

"I use him as another pair of eyes," Pollock said. "We use him to have a look at what the backs are trying to do on attack and defence and play the devil's advocate.

"He's someone who has come in with a totally different pair of eyes, and as he's experienced some fantastic things in New Zealand and world rugby he's adding more depth to what we do.

"He's feeling the same frustration that rugby players all over New Zealand feel. Players are passionate about playing the game. Take that away and they become a little upset.

"But I've been impressed by the depth and clarity of his thinking around the game. He's evolved from being a natural and turning himself into a scholar of the game."