Rugby: Monster of a career beckons for Moli

Liaki Moli. Photo / Doug Sherring

His nickname is Monster, but when Liakimatagi Moli spots the homeless or destitute, he is likely to give them a hug.

His teammates reckon he is just as likely to give them a handout as well. That's just his nature. They reckon it has something to do with being part of an extended family of 10 siblings.

But when Moli takes the rugby field the generous disposition disappears. The 20-year-old is all business, a lock forward on the rise who is well known to both Auckland and Manawatu coaches in tonight's ITM Cup meeting in Palmerston North.

Host coach Dave Rennie and visiting boss Mark Anscombe were in charge of the national under-20 side which won the world title this year in Argentina, a side in which Moli was an outstanding component.

His tournament selection was marginal because he damaged a calf muscle and had to pass a very late fitness test to make the trip. He missed a few games but came on strongly down the finals stretch.

"He was outstanding," Anscombe recalled. "We had a strong dominant pack but when Liaki came back they had even more sting. He gave them even more confidence."

You can't miss Moli. He stands 1.95m, weighs 118kg and has a mane of hair he usually ties in a topknot.

He is a mix of Tongan and Niuean bloodlines and starred for St Pauls College when he shifted to Auckland several years ago. He is shy but very well-liked within the squad, a determined and focused forward who works extra hard.

"He is still learning,"Anscombe said. "He could be a lock or a No 6, but he has a lot of skill. He pushes hard in the scrums, is abrasive in contact and jumps well in the lineouts.

"He does a lot of community work and I gather is keen on being a policeman or foreman once he finishes rugby."

Now though he is in the infancy of his sport, a rookie provincial lock whose performances edged out the seasoned Kurtis Haiu early in the campaign. They are paired up tonight though because Andrew van der Heidjen spent time beating a charge at a judicial hearing midweek.

"I wondered if Liaki would be ready this year," Anscombe said. "We had him in our sights, then he did a pre-season with the Blues and we have brought him slowly in. He has done well and is heading in the right direction."

WHAT: ITM Cup, Round 8

WHO: Manwatu v Auckland

WHERE: Palmerston North

WHEN: 7.30pm

TV: Sky Sport 1