Rugby: Solomon Alaimalo trades Taniwha for Mako as he moves to Tasman

Mitre 10 Cup rugby. Northland vs Otago at Toll Stadium in Whangarei. 27 September 2017 Northern Advocate Photograph by John Stone

Solomon Alaimalo will be taking his talents to Tasman next season after two productive years with Northland.

The outside back played all 21 games he could while playing in the Cambridge Blue.

Alaimalo was an integral member of the backline and was rewarded for his strong form with 10 appearances for the Chiefs in 2017, culminating in their Rookie of the Year award.

He said he is looking forward to a new challenge after a fruitful period with Northland.

"I enjoyed my time with Northland and am very thankful for all they provided, but I'm excited to join the Mako next year," he said.

"The Mako have a great track record in the Premiership. I'm especially looking forward to working with Leon MacDonald and the other coaches to develop my game further.

"I also hear great things about the team environment and the Tasman region. I feel this is a good decision for my rugby. I'm planning on a strong season for the Chiefs then continuing that form and impressing for the Mako."

Playing both wing and fullback for Northland through the 2017 season, Alaimalo ranked in the top five of the competition in four categories: carries (116), defenders beaten (44), metres (827) and offloads (21).

Alaimalo is firming as the replacement for the recently departed James Lowe for both Tasman and the Chiefs, where he should receive a larger role in the 2018 campaign.

Tasman CEO Tony Lewis was ecstatic to gain the services of the 21-year-old.

"We're delighted to secure Solomon as he is a quality player who the Mako coaches see playing fullback, centre or wing," he said.

"He is a player with rare speed which makes his signing an exciting one for the team."

Alaimalo was first picked for Northland at the beginning of the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season after impressing for the Otamatea Hawks, playing all but six minutes during that campaign.

He played every minute of the 2017 season, playing either wing or fullback.