NPC rising star #2 - Taniela Moa

Versatile Taniela Moa has experienced national honours at under-19 and under-21 level. Picture / Dean Purcell

A versatile addition to any squad, 20-year-old Taniela Moa can play either first five-eighths or halfback.

He turns out for his Te Papapa Onehunga club as a first five, but prefers halfback, which is where he has been selected in the NPC squad.

"I play first five for club because they want me to kick and pass and get more into the game," Moa said.

He already has an impressive list of achievements in his short career.

After a year at Onehunga High he moved to De La Salle College and was selected into the Auckland Secondary School team in 2002 and 2003.

From there he graduated into the New Zealand Secondary team in 2003 and has since progressed into the under-19 and under-21 squads in 2004 and 2005.

He was part of the World Cup-winning under-19 side in South Africa last year, scoring a try in the team's opening match against Ireland.

He is enjoying being in the Auckland squad and is simply hoping to get a start this season and work from there. "It's incredible just being able to play with guys like Steve Devine and Dougie Howlett."

* Taniela Moa

Age: 20
Position: Halfback
Club: Te Papapa Onehunga
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 96kg