Looking at Tvoc's Opta stats thread I noticed that Weller Hauraki doesn't seem to be missing many tackles anymore so I had a look at his last 5 games (excl the cup) ...

Player: Metres - Carries (MT/Carry) - Tackles - Misses (Efficiency %) - Errors - Penalties

Hauraki (Avg Last 5 Leeds games): 77.4 - 13.6 (5.69) - :2gy7kxtq28 - 0.6:2gy7kxtq (:2gy7kxtq[u:2gy7kxtq98%[/u:2gy7kxtq:2gy7kxtq) - 1 – 0.6
Hauraki (Avg 1st 5 Leeds Games): 97.4 - 13.4 (7.26) - 20.8 - 3.2 (85%) - 1.4 – 0.6
Hauraki (Avg 2010 at Crusaders): 82.4 - 13.2 (6.27) - 25.7 - 2.8 (89%) - 1.0 – 0.5

...statistically he's like a different player defensively - could this be down to top class coaching getting the best out of a player

He's just doing what the coach says.

Mcdermott probably told him to miss tackles before, then realised this was a bad tactic, so told him not to miss tackles.

I still believe that Hauraki will prove to be a very good signing for us

He runs very good lines in attack and has good feet, i believe that he will be a "go to player" eventually if he continues with his progress shown this season

Also very good to see his improved defense, although he does still look shaky at times decision wise

Another big defensive effort from Weller this week...

Hauraki: 30 - 6 (5.00) - 39 - 0 (100%) - 1 – 2

Ive got to agree with what your saying i think his recent improvement is just the tip of the iceberg though and think he could be one of our best ever imports wouldnt like to say if Mcdermotts got much to do with it though

Someone has cerainly been working on his defence. Nice to see an improvement.

It could just be that he took a while to settle. I know he moved from one SL club to another but the expectations are so different.

Its also worth keeping in mind that he joined a team that has struggled, it always makes it more difficult.

Im not Wellers biggest fan but he is steadily getting there.

I think your right. I'd even think he's already surpassed the likes of Dean Clark, Nathan Picci and possibly even Paul Bell.