Blues on the loose with Luke McAlister and Tasesa Lavea

Luke, I heard you were on the books of Manchester City. Is this true?

Luke: It was Manchester United and I wasn't on their books. They had schools of excellence. I was 10. I was a striker but I took up league after that. Dad (Charlie) was playing league for Oldham at the time.

Did you bond with any of the Manchester United stars?

Luke: We had the occasional day with them - Ryan Giggs, guys like that. Soccer's what you're brought up with over there. That's all they played at school. But I don't really like watching it.

Tasesa, why did you leave rugby league and the Melbourne Storm?

Tasesa: Family and friends. I left Auckland when I was still at school and was away from home for five years. I'm back living in Papatoetoe now - Papatoetoe Heights.

What happened to your Kiwis and Storm team-mate Matt Rua (who gave up league in his prime) and where is he now?

Tasesa: He'd sort of had enough. His body couldn't take it any more. Last I heard he was working out west (Auckland) and living with his parents. He was doing some guest speaking at schools.

Who from league would you like to see playing rugby?

Tasesa: Ali Lauiti'iti and Tony Puletua would be good. They're a bit like Jerry Collins and Rodney So'oialo. The big guys like Willie Mason.

Luke: And Sonny Bill (Williams).

Tasesa: Yeah, Sonny Bill would be good to watch.

The media are wary of your dad, who's protective of you. Is he really that scary?

Luke: I've never been scared of him. He's been huge in my life.

Tasesa: He looks after Luke pretty well.

Tasesa, if you don't make the All Blacks, would you play for Samoa in the 2007 World Cup?

Tasesa: To be honest it's not on my mind. A lot can happen in those two years. I come off contract next year.

Mehrtens, Spencer or Larkham?

Luke: Larkham. He reads the game so well.

Tasesa: Yeah, I'd say Larkham too. He's just cool. He always has lots of time on his hands.

Luke: Growing up it was Los (Carlos Spencer). He was my favourite.

OK... Mark Ella, Wayne Smith or Jonathan Davies?

Tasesa: Say Wayne Smith. Put Smithy for him.

Luke: That's a s*** question. I just remember Jonathan Davies playing league.

Do you watch much rugby?

Tasesa: I don't watch rugby at home at all.

Luke: I don't mind watching it.

Tasesa: I like getting away from it.

Luke: It's good to see what teams around the world are doing. I wouldn't watch a whole game.

Tasesa: He'll watch himself.

What's your favourite game of yours to watch, Luke?

Tasesa: The semifinal in last year's NPC (Auckland beat North Harbour 38-24).

Luke: Nah, it was the Battle of the Bridge the year before. That was one of the best days of my life.

Tasesa: Fending off Los and scoring in the corner...

Luke: I loved that.

What did you think about the Lee Tamahori sex scandal?

Luke: I'd never heard of him.

Tasesa: He said he was trying to do research, didn't he? That was the only way you could get out of it. That's Hollywood.

What do you do outside of rugby?

Tasesa: I'm studying a business course and trying to take up surfing. And I've got a son, Sylas, who's four.

Luke: I've started my law degree.

Really Luke, is that true?

Luke: No. Ha, ha!

I read that your wife has a degree. What in?

Luke: Um, bio-chemistry or something. She's real smart. She was fourth in New Zealand for bursary. She's from Morrinsville. I'm just a family man really - trying to be a good dad. My daughter Astyn is 15 months.

Did you cry at your wedding Luke?

Luke: Yep - when Brooke was walking down the aisle. I didn't think I would. I tried my best to stay strong.

Any sporting ability in the next generation?

Luke: Sylas, he's pretty on to it. He's got good skills. I've got to teach the girl how to tackle. She can kick.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

Luke: Hoobastank, The Reason. That's my best one on SingStar. Ali (Williams) sucks at SingStar.

Tasesa: The only song I've sung in public is Happy Birthday to myself, which is what you have to do in the Blues.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY