Ali Lauitiiti is the first to admit it wasn't exactly the most natural of pairings. After all it's an awfully long way from Mangere East to Leeds in the north of England - in every sense.
So when an unsettled Lauitiiti announced last May that he was leaving the Warriors
to join Leeds Rhinos, fans were not just stunned by the news of his sudden exit but many wondered how he would fare in Britain.
The transition had the potential to be a rocky one. Lauitiiti's family ties run deeper than most, and, like many in South Auckland's Pacific Island community, the local church figures prominently in his life. How would the intensely private Lauitiiti cope with isolation half a world away in the chilly climes of Yorkshire?
Almost 12 months on and the move has clearly agreed with the big second-rower. And fittingly for an athlete of rare talent, he is now tasting real success for the first time in his career. While the Warriors' season was busy imploding last year, Lauitiiti was a pivotal force for Leeds as they clinched the Super League title and backed it up with victory over reigning NRL premiers Canterbury Bulldogs in the World Club Challenge.
But crucially, Lauitiiti has settled nicely at Leeds, after a mystifying turn of events behind the scenes at Auckland ended with one of the Warriors' favourite sons departing for England.
If there is any lingering resentment over the way he was squeezed out from the Warriors when management called into question his commitment, it is impossible to detect in Lauitiiti's voice.
The Warriors are destined to always have a special place in Lauitiiti's heart. As the offers came flooding in he says he never considered anything from Australia. No doubt because he would find it emotionally impossible to front up against his boyhood club and old team-mates at Ericsson Stadium, where he was so adored.
"I'm just thankful and grateful that I actually pulled on the jersey and represented the Warriors. I've got heaps of good memories of all the boys and the club," Lauitiiti said.
"It was a big decision to leave. I started there and I was always thankful to be part of the team. It was tough to leave friendships I'd made through the years at the club and also just playing football in my home country.
"We left in a good way, there was no malice and we left on a good note," he insists. "But I'm happy that I made the move and came to Leeds. I think change is good - for not only myself, but for the Warriors, too."
Lauitiiti doesn't exactly go quiet when asked what went wrong in the Warriors' camp in 2004 but it is clear he is uncomfortable discussing it. He speaks of an "in-house thing between players" and offers some insight into the eventual resignation of coach Daniel Anderson, one-time saviour of a previously under-achieving and chronically inconsistent club.
"I don't know what was going on," Lauitiiti said. "I just felt that there were players in there that weren't happy and if you don't have that happiness amongst the players I think, personally, you can't really perform on the field."
He hesitates when asked if Anderson lost the dressing room. "I dunno. Probably. I think he had players that maybe weren't suited for his coaching style.
"But he's done heaps for the club and everyone's learned from him and he'll always leave something at the club for what he's done."
Although, so will the big man himself. Who will ever forget his barnstorming form in 2002? When he dazzled everybody, including the parochial Sydney press, and was a major factor in propelling the Warriors to the grand final - still a career highlight for Lauitiiti.
Now it is Leeds Rhinos fans he is entertaining and Super League defences he is terrorising. He's also caught up with a few familiar faces, and now knocks about with a bunch of mates that reads something like an old Warriors team sheet.
David Solomona, Motu Tony, Willie Poching, Joe Vagana, Leslie Vainikolo and Shontayne Hape make up his circle of friends, and they have proven an excellent tonic for any homesickness.
The 25-year-old has also won plenty of new admirers, none bigger than his coach Tony Smith, brother of Parramatta boss Brian.
"From day one and the first time he ran out on the field he's been a crowd favourite. "He's a very modest young man and I think it embarrasses him how much they do idolise him. They have songs about most of the players and there's a very, very popular Ali song, which is great to hear. He gets a bit bashful about it.
"I don't think anyone can really appreciate the skill level that he's got. Some of the things he does you just shake your head."
Sounds like a case of different club, same old Ali Lauitiiti.
* Mark Saunokonoko is a sports reporter in England
Ali Lauitiiti
Ali Lauitiiti is the first to admit it wasn't exactly the most natural of pairings. After all it's an awfully long way from Mangere East to Leeds in the north of England - in every sense.
So when an unsettled Lauitiiti announced last May that he was leaving the Warriors
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.