The Samoan-born midfielder had a fairytale run in 2004; The 22-year-old became the talk of the town during the NPC, rugby commentators predicting an All Black call-up.

And the dream came true for Laulala and he made his debut for the All Blacks against Wales in November 2004.

He has explosive speed and strength to terrorise opposition defensive lines and is another outstanding talent from Pukekohe's Wesley College near Auckland.

He debuted for Counties-Manukau in the NPC in 2001 before moving to Canterbury in 2003.