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The talent scout who discovered Waratahs whiz Alofa Alofa came across him by complete accident.
But there’s more fate than luck about the unexpected rise of the 22-year-old Super Rugby excitement machine, whose rugby career is driven by a desire to earn enough money to buy a house for his parents and siblings.
Alofa has always had a knack for getting himself noticed, and it was an eye-catching performance against the Auckland Blues in a trial match two weeks ago that’s seen him jump the queue and demand selection on the end of a star-studded NSW backline for Sunday’s round-one clash against the Western Force at Allianz Stadium.
The breakout performance of Alofa’s career came on a rugby league field in the Canterbury district in 2010, when he didn’t even realise he was auditioning.
Sydney Roosters recruitment officer Peter O’Sullivan, who also unearthed Israel Folau, was meant to be examining a different prospect when Alofa burst to life on his screen.
“To be honest, I got a DVD on a different player actually, and Alofa, he just stood out like the proverbial dogs you know what,” O’Sullivan told AAP.
“So I just chased him.”
Despite setting the under 20s competition alight, there was no NRL debut for Alofa.
Desperate to provide for his family, Alofa was forced to go back to the drawing board in another code, and in the backfields of the Shute Shield competition last year, he got the fire started again with 13 tries for West Harbour.
As a project player for the Waratahs, Alofa once again exceeded all expectations.
Only on Sunday, he will finally get his opportunity on the big stage.
His mother Kaisala and father Tusi, both ministers at a Samoan church in Sydney’s south west, have been the driving force behind his unusual journey to a Super Rugby debut, and Alofa, the youngest of four children, is doing it all for them.
“It feels awesome (to finally get a chance). God has a plan for everything. I’m grateful. It’s a long time coming but it’s here,” said Alofa.
“My parents have been a strong influence on my career. They’re people I look up to and the only reason that motivates me to play harder is to get to a place where I can support them financially.
“I’m still living with mum and dad and chipping away and trying to get our own place, so we’ll see.
“My main goal is to enjoy my rugby as well as get that (full) contract.”
With the likes of Cam Crawford and Ben Volavola waiting in the wings, the heat will be on Alofa – known for his dancing and musical ability around the change rooms – to find his beat right from the opening whistle.
“Yeah I feel pressure, but I love that,” he said.
Roosters’ talent-spotter O’Sullivan says in hindsight, Alofa’s balance and movement better lends itself to rugby.
Alofa isn’t looking back either.
“Hey, I would have loved to have played league,” he said.
“But my opportunity has come in union so I’m taking it with both hands.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.