Words by Tom Connor

The NRC is back for its second instalment and Laloifi Junior Laloifi is ready to take his chance and run with it.

Many will remember Laloifi from last year’s NRC Final when he switched the jet shoes on and gassed three Spirit defenders to score the try that would ultimately seal the title for Brisbane City.

Those who follow the Queensland Premier Grade competition will know all too well the threat he poses to opposition defences, his 18 tries over the past two years is a testament to that.

But the journey that has him on the cusp of playing Super Rugby isn’t an overnight one, it started a long time ago, and a long way away.

Hailing from the small town of Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, Laloifi moved to Melbourne in 2009 with his family. The impact was immediate.

“When we moved to Australia I only had one year of school left. Playing in the 1st XV for Lalor College I was lucky enough to make the Victorian and Australia ‘A’ schoolboys and play against New Zealand Schools” Laloifi said.

Remarkably though, it wouldn’t be the last time that year he’d pull on the national jersey of his adopted country.

“I was playing a Sevens competition down in Melbourne for Digby Ioane’s family team and Digby asked me if I wanted to look at Sevens as a serious pathway. He got in contact with Sunnybank and they flew me up to Queensland to play a few tournaments for them.”

Gifted with blistering speed and the fancy footwork to match, it came as no surprise to learn he idolised All Black legend, Doug Howlett growing up.

Much like Howlett did, Laloifi possessed all the qualities necessary to play Sevens at the highest level, and it didn’t take Australian Coach Michael O’Connor long to realise.

Just months after finishing his schooling, Laloifi made his Sevens World Series debut for Australia when he was selected for the Dubai Sevens.

Away from the rugby field, Laloifi is just like any other 20 year old, although considers himself somewhat of a movie buff.

“I’m pretty relaxed off the field, love watching movies, spending time with the family, listening to music – basically anything that has nothing to do with rugby!”

The following season he made a tough decision the majority of rugby player’s face at one point or another during their career, leaving his family home in Melbourne and relocating up to Queensland to chase his dream of playing professionally.

“The guys involved with Sunnybank were really generous, they set me up with accommodation and even managed to get me a job in roofing through one of the old boys.”

Juggling his NRC commitments with a 9-5 job is a challenge in itself, but after getting a glimpse into the life of a professional rugby player, Laloifi is driven now more than ever.

“The NRC has been an invaluable experience for me and really helped develop my game.

“To be able to play on the big stage alongside Super Rugby players like Karmichael Hunt, Lachie Turner and the rest of the Reds boys; it’s a bit surreal at times.

“Watching the way they go about their business you get an understanding of what it takes to be a professional athlete.”

So what does the future hold for Junior Laloifi?

Well in the short term he has an opportunity to help Brisbane City claim the Little-Horan Shield when they take on Melbourne Rising this weekend, a game that will hold extra significance with his family watching on in the stands.

As for long term aspirations, well there isn’t any uncertainty there.

“I want to play Super Rugby, for me that would be a dream come true.”