Chasing an NRL dream is an ongoing thing for some players and Leivaha Pulu falls into that category. Eager to impress and make the most of the opportunities, the forward has signed with the Gold Coast Titans.
Pulu’s journey into rugby league started back in New Zealand when he was 16, after he was convinced by good friend and former Titan, Kalifa Fai Fai Loa, to try out the sport at Avondale College.
For that, Pulu is grateful from not only a rugby league perspective but also a personal one, as he met his partner during those school days as well.
“Yeah Kalifa was the one who got me to play at school and come down and join Marist Saints in Auckland [a noted junior club],†‘Vaha’ recalled.
“I spoke to Kalifa about coming here and he really encouraged me.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity and want to do everything I can to play NRL.â€
He then went on to play for one of the most prestigious rugby league schools in Australia in Keebra Park before going on to enjoy stints with both the Wests Tigers U20’s side and the Windsor Wolves, the feeder team of the Penrith Panthers.
Most recently, Pulu has been a part of the Wyong Roos team, the current Sydney Roosters feeder team, and has performed strongly.
He was a part of their side that made the 2015 NSW Cup grand final and has experience behind him but he knows that in order to succeed, he has to work hard and make the most of the opportunities presented to him.
“This is an opportunity I want to make full use of,†he said.
“When I went to Penrith I was 125kg and took all the off-season to catch up with the other players and I have really learned from that and have really looked after myself with nutrition and diet the fitness the past couple of seasons. I’m around 110kg now.
“It’s great to be back on the Gold Coast and I’m looking forward to meeting the boys and getting into pre-season.â€