His dad, Ricky Alabaster, a former shearer who has made the Golden Shears finals many times, is now a farmer. His cousin Sheree Alabaster is a world champion wool handler, and a seven times New Zealand champion.
"Some of these kids are virtually born with a handpiece in their hands," Mr Laing said.
Mr Alabaster said Reuben was one of those kids.
"He lives and breathes shearing. It's hard to keep him away but he's got to look after his back."
Reuben is more likely to spend an evening looking after his shearing combs than sending social messages on his phone. He entered his first shearing competition aged 11, as a novice.
He's now ready for his big moment at the Golden Shears, Mr Alabaster said.
"It's all in his head now. He's done the preparation. It will be about whether he can handle the pressure and stay relaxed and in control."
Next year Reuben will have to compete at intermediate level, another step up. He can then work his way through the grades until he gets to the open grades.
"No matter how good you are, it's like serving a second apprenticeship once you get into the open grades," Mr Laing said.
In the meantime Reuben is at Taihape Area School on a special programme. He doesn't like school and his dad arranged for him to spend three days a week there, and the rest on the farm.
