Following the footsteps of Lomu

By CHRIS RATTUE

A fairly famous rugby citizen by the name of Jonah Lomu put Wesley College firmly on the sporting map.

The days of Jonah may be over for Counties Manukau, although the $120,000 transfer fee they received from Wellington for him was a vital windfall for the financially struggling union.

But the school and its ability to lure talented players to the area remains a key part of the Counties Manukau union's long-term plans, and their latest budding backline star, Casey Laulala, is another product of the school.

The 19-year-old's rugby journey is a prime example of why Wesley is central to Counties' hopes.

Born and raised in Samoa, Laulala started boarding at the school when he was 15.

"I found out that Jonah went to school there after I arrived. I didn't even know it was a big rugby school," Laulala said.

"It's not that big a school, but everyone there plays."

Laulala, whose younger brother, Robert, also left Samoa to attend Wesley, made his mark, rising to captain the first XV and becoming head boy.

It was observing the Wesley first XV's triumph in the national secondary schools competition in 1997, his first year at the school, that inspired Laulala to put his efforts into rugby.

"I was a bit chubby when I first came to New Zealand, but I've put a lot of hard work in," said Laulala, one of seven siblings.

Laulala's schoolwork took priority at times. His father, who comes to New Zealand almost weekly as a pilot with Polynesian Airlines, ruled that the youngster could not go on a first XV tour to Australia because it would interfere with his schoolwork.

It was his selection and success with the world champion national under-19 side this year which gave Laulala the belief that he could foot it with the best.

"Even in the pre-season here my coach at Counties [Andrew Talaimanu], said I might not be ready for NPC rugby yet, but I went out to prove him wrong in every game," said Laulala, who combines his rugby life with studying for a diploma in business.

Talaimanu toyed with playing Laulala at fullback, but has now moved him to his favoured position at centre. Even though there are rough edges to his game, the talent is there for everyone to see.

The all-powerful Canterbury union made a direct approach to the teenager, which caused ill feeling between the two unions. Laulala had already signed a three-year deal with Counties Manukau.

But if the unthinkable happened and the Steelers were relegated, it would be hard to see the likes of Laulala remaining with them.

For now, he believes he made the right decision.

"I would never have got the opportunity at this stage to play in the NPC with Canterbury. I made the right choice, but it was a real buzz having them show such an interest in me."

Canterbury will get a first-hand look at their target tomorrow, when Laulala lines up against them at Pukekohe Stadium.

"I thank the Lord for the opportunities I've been given," Laulala said.

"Right now, I just concentrate on holding my place in the Counties team. I won't even be thinking about the Canterbury offer when I'm playing this game."