Attitude fix sparks JWH in new Kiwis era under Maguire

New Zealand enforcer Jared Waerea-Hargreaves may toe the line with his aggressive nature on the paddock but he's at the peak of his game and believes maturity is behind his recent run of form.

While aggression and ill-discipline can sometimes go hand-in-hand for the Roosters prop, who was sin-binned in the Kiwis' 34-0 win over England, he says his off-field lifestyle is responsible for a successful year in which he secured his second Telstra Premiership and latest Test win.

The 29-year-old fell out of favour with former Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney following the 2013 World Cup and had to fight his way back into David Kidwell's Test line-up after a two-year exodus, before cementing a spot under new coach Michael Maguire. 

"I've had kids and got married, you sort of mature by the time you're 29," Waerea-Hargreaves told NRL.com.

"I went away with the Kiwis in Denver and it was Madge's first time. It ignited a motivation in me to want to be here, work hard and lead. To do all those little things away from the international level so I could be here.

"Being a proud Kiwi, going away with young boys in Denver just motivated me to want to be here more this year. And to do my thing to the best I possible could do."

It's an attitude that could shape the lead-up to the next international fixture between New Zealand and Tonga, particularly given the Kiwis' fierce battle with former international Jason Taumalolo.

Waerea-Hargreaves insists he never changed his mindset after calling Taumalolo out last season ahead of the Roosters' preliminary final against the Cowboys.

He was noticeably more reserved in the lead-up to the Roosters' premiership triumph but said nothing had changed from his end.

"I'm the same guy I was 12 months ago," Waerea-Hargreaves said.

"I'm just enjoying seeing some of these guys come through and reap the benefits like a young guy such as Isaiah Papali'i, who's worked as hard as I've ever seen someone in the last five weeks to get an opportunity.

"Those are the things that motivate me, to see guys like Joey Manu and Isaac Liu at club level then come and perform at international level is satisfying."

Kiwis coach Michael Maguire gave the premiership-winner a big rap to end the campaign.

"He's been excellent this tour, off the field and on the field," Maguire said.

"He's taken his game to new heights. He's really led and specifically told me that's part of what he wants to be on tour. He's a real team man and great to have around."