"I knew he came with a lot of promise but because I already had a first-five and a second-five I said, 'mate the only place I have room for you is centre'.
"So he is playing two positions out of position but, far, from what I've seen of him this year I reckon we are already at an advantage with him."
Taulahi is originally from Tonga but moved to New Zealand about four years ago to attend a school in Auckland.
He was snapped up by Boys' High last year and made the progression to Whaka this season.
Taulahi said he was finding the shift to premier rugby - and playing at centre - pretty challenging but was enjoying his time at Whaka.
"I'm enjoying it, it's good," he said. "I'm enjoying the club and enjoying the boys, it is like family.
"It's my first time playing outside centre and I find it a bit hard, but after a couple of games I'm getting used to it and you have got to adapt."
He said the main difference with premier rugby, compared to schoolboy rugby, was the size of the opponents.
"Playing prem rugby it is physical, that is the main thing, it is more physical.
"You are going up against big boys."
He said when he came to the club he was not sure if he would make the first team so quickly and was "shocked" to get the nod. Taulahi said his personal goal was to play for the Steamers in the future.
"That is the main goal to try and make the top side, the Steamers, and enjoy my rugby."
Whakarewarewa are certainly not short of options at first-five this season. At present they have the likes of Bay of Plenty Steamer Te Rangi Fraser, who joined the club last year, former Rotorua Boys' High School captain Ryubyn Vaipo, and newcomer Taulahi, all of whom are quality first-fives.
Taulahi said he would love the chance to play first-five again at some stage.
"I'd love to, and if the opportunity comes from the coach I'd take it, but until then [I'll keep doing my best at centre]."
