RobLawMax Labour Hire Player Profile: Pakai Turia (Poneke)

First five-eighth Pakai Turia has joined Poneke and the WRFU Academy from Wellington College, where he was a star in last year's Wellington Premier 1 playoff series. Turia kicked a dropped goal and set up two tries, from deft kicks, as Wellington powered into the final with a 27-0 win over Scots College. In wet and windy conditions in the final he kicked 20 points (seven goals from seven attempts) as Wellington upset Silverstream, 25-22. He was then injured in the Hurricanes final and missed the National semi-final which was a major blow for Wellington because Turia with his confidence up is a daring and exciting player. He recently made his Premier debut for Poneke.

Name: Pakai Turia ?

Club: Poneke

Secondary school attended: Wellington College

First rugby club player for: Whanganui

Earliest rugby memory: Playing U11s for Ratana with all the cousins

Playing position growing up: First five-eighth

Favourite memory from school/First XV rugby: Winning Premier 1 for Wellington College in 2013

If you could choose any current rugby player, from across the world, to join your team -who would it be and why: Bryan Habana

Favourite non-rugby sportsman: Shaun Johnson, because of his play making skills

Pre-game rituals: Listen to one song

Hobbies and interests outside of rugby: Touch, motocross

Outside of rugby: I work with Scotties Potties (plumbing business)

Favourite superhero: Hulk

Favourite TV show: The Vampire Diaries

The last book or magazine you read was: Zoo Magazine

My signature dish is: Anything

A motto I live by is: I am the only barrier between me and the fruition of my dreams.