NPC rising star #1 - Isaia Toeava

Rugby has already provided Isaia Toeava with a ticket to the world ... and he's eager to see and learn more. Picture / Dean Purcell

The temptation of overseas travel lured Isaia Toeava away from league and into a game which, until two years ago, he had never played. "I heard there was a lot of free trips in rugby, so I thought I would give it a go," he said.

"I just wanted to try it, and it's turned out good. I think I'm pretty lucky."

Toeava's "luck" has this year seen him selected for the national under-19 side and the sevens team, providing him with those trips.

"I went to Hong Kong and Los Angeles, which was fun. I learnt off the experienced players, like Amasio Valence, but it was a good experience travelling around the world."

He admits that playing sevens has helped him in many ways.

"I have improved a lot with my fitness and just playing with those players.

"Ren [Orene Ai'i] helps me a lot with my XVs as well because he's a first five, and it's helped me with my confidence, in talking and things like that."

The oldest of six children, Toeava is surrounded by five sisters, who he says are all right.

"I just let them do their own thing," he smiles.

His uncle has had the biggest influence on him.

"My uncle has always been there for me, always pushing me ... He always comes to my games."

Toeava comes into the squad with Marist team-mates James Somerset and Kurtis Haiu, but admits that he has played only one game for the club because of injuries.

"I just want to learn off the experienced players. Brad Mika is always helping me out, and Tasesa Lavea. And hopefully I'll get some game time."

* Isaia Toeava

Age: 19
Position: First five-eighths
Club: Marist
Height: 1.82m
Weight: 91kg