RobLawMax Labour Hire Player Profile: Aukuso Tuitama (Northern United)

One of five Wellington players currently in camp in Brisbane with the Samoa U20 team, Northern United's Aukuso Tuitama is a nephew of Hurricanes and Manu Samoa midfielder Alapati Leiua.

Aukuso graduated from Porirua College at the end of 2012 and made his Premier Club debut for Norths in 2013 and went on to make 12 starts on the wing, scoring his maiden Premier hat-trick of tries against Avalon in last year's Hardham Cup. He is a fast and elusive ball carrier with a wonderful side step and is solid on defence.

Aukuso represented Wellington Under 16 A, Under 18 A and now Samoa Under 20. He aspires to play at the highest level possible in rugby whilst also maintaining his tertiary education to complete his degree.

Name: Aukuso Tuitama

Club: Northern United RFC

Playing position: Centre

Secondary School attended: Porirua College

First rugby club played for: Northern United RFC Juniors

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What is your earliest memory playing rugby?

Backyard rugby with my family as a child in Samoa

What was your playing position (s) growing up?

Second five-eighth and centre

What's your favourite memory from First XV or representative rugby to date? ?

Defeating Mana College in 2011 to win the Beard Trophy.

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

Manu Tuilagi because of his strength and speed.

Who is your favourite non-rugby sports person or team and why?

Muhammad Ali, he is so inspirational and the Champ

Do have any pre-game rituals or superstitions before you take the field?

Chill out, listen to music.

What's good and bad about training?

Enjoy learning; the bad side are injuries happening at trainings

What are your hobbies and interests outside of rugby?

Touch Rugby, volleyball and spending time with family

What do you do for study/work outside of rugby?

Studying at University for a degree in Business, majoring in Marketing, Management and Accounting.

Who's your favourite superhero?

Batman

What's your favourite movie or TV show?

Favourite movie I'm a legend; TV: SpongeBob???????????????????????????????

My signature dish is:

Steak, eggs and chips

What's the best piece of advice from your parents or mentor/coach growing up?

• Focus on what you need
• Think about why we came to New Zealand

Is there a motto or slogan you live by?

Make every day count!

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