Rugby League: Home important to Lauitiiti

By JULIE ASH

Those close to axed Warrior Ali Lauitiiti are certain the 24-year-old league star is in no hurry to leave New Zealand.

Lauitiiti, who was released by the Auckland-based franchise this week, would, his friends insist, do anything to stay in New Zealand.

Since the shock announcement, at least 12 league clubs, from Australia and England, have expressed an interest in signing Lauitiiti.

The Sydney Roosters, Parramatta, Manly, Canberra, South Sydney, North Queensland, Cronulla and Wigan are among clubs likely to pursue his signature.

Sydney newspapers have listed English giants Wigan as the frontrunners, with a deal reportedly worth nearly $585,000 a season.

Lauitiiti could not be reached for comment yesterday but his manager Peter Brown said a statement regarding his future would be issued on Monday morning.

"We have got some offers, we are still talking to the Warriors and Ali is going to think about it over the weekend and we'll make a statement on Monday morning," Brown said.

However those close to Lauitiiti say he is keen to stay put.

Chris Sola, senior pastor of the Hosanna World Harvest Church, which Lauitiiti and his wife Janina attend, admits he is still reeling from Lauitiiti's dismissal.

"I thought he was performing better than some of the team. I think he is going to be a big loss to the forward pack. It is early days for Ali to go. He is only 24."

Sola said he had spoken to Lauitiiti since the shock announcement and said he had expressed no hard feelings towards the club.

"Ali has never said anything negative about anyone or the club. He has been quite positive as far as my discussions have been. He has a lot of friends at the Warriors and he loves it.

"It is certainly going to be a big loss to a number of the fans and certainly to a lot of us. We hardly miss a game.

"We go to the games to support Ali but we have also PJ Marsh at our church.

"We are staunch fans of the Warriors but I think the departure of Ali may change that."

Sola disagreed with suggestions Lauitiiti's passion for the game had dwindled following his arm injury last year and a lot of his focus had turned to his family.

"Without the job you can't really do much for the family.

"To say Ali's focus on his family has shifted his focus away from rugby league is a big error. He is very much committed to his game and in my own personal conversations with Ali rugby league and the club have been very important to him.

"There is no doubt that Ali is absolutely committed to his work."

Sola said Lauitiiti had always maintained a close relationship with his family, friends and the church and had indicated to him that he was not keen to play overseas.

Saaia Misa, a family friend of Lauitiiti's and the pastor of his former church, the Otahuhu Assembly of God, also said Lauitiiti had always been keen to stay in New Zealand.

"We were quite sad when we heard the news [that he was leaving] yesterday.

"We would really love him to stay in the country and when I have spoken to him about it he'd always say 'Oh, I don't think I'd like to go overseas'.

"He is very close to his grandmother, who I think is over 90 years old. Every time Ali goes oversees he really misses his grandmother and she really misses him."