Pulu is a late bloomer. He came through the Tigers farm system - a graduate of Keebra Park High School on the Gold Coast - but couldn't crack first grade at the Sydney club.
After a few years in the wilderness, including an off-season in France, he joined the Wyong Roos. He spent three seasons at the New South Wales Central Coast club, culminating in a run to the 2015 NSW Cup final.
Those displays were enough to persuade the Titans to take a chance on the Auckland-born Pulu, and he was signed to a basic contract ahead of the 2016 season.
Pulu earned a spot in the round one clash against the Knights and has never looked back. He played 23 matches last year.
With the benefit of just his second full NRL pre-season, Pulu has gone to another level in 2017. He has averaged 51 minutes a match (up from 37 minutes last year) and crossed for two tries in the Titans's 16-12 victory over the Sharks last week.
Pulu and his wife were born in New Zealand (he crossed the Tasman when he was 16) and being closer to family is a big appeal of linking with the Warriors.
The Marist junior also harbours hopes of making a run for the Kiwis World Cup squad at the end of this year, although the Tongan side is probably a more realistic option at this stage.
While Pulu has played only 31 NRL games, his journey and life experience have given him a maturity not always evident in players who have made a similar number of appearances, as well as a genuine hunger to succeed.