Sam Siaosi hard at work at Wairarapa Scrap Metals. PHOTO/JADE CVETKOV
During the week Sam Siaosi crushes old metal, and on the weekends, he shreds opposition forward packs. CHRIS COGDALE talked to the Marist hooker.
Marist hooker Sam Siaosi was born in Samoa, the third youngest of 10 children. His youngest sister is aged 12, while the oldest he said is about 38 or 39 years old.
The family moved to Masterton when Siaosi was aged two. He started playing JAB rugby in the under-6 grade with Pioneer and then turned out in the under-11, 12 and 13 age groups for Masterton Red Star, before playing first XV rugby for Chanel College, in a team which he said wasn’t very good.
Despite playing in struggling college teams, Siaosi’s talent as a hooker or prop was recognised from a young age, and he earned selection in Wairarapa-Bush age-group representative sides throughout his teenage years.
The 21-year-old has been working at Wairarapa Scrap Metals on Ngaumutawa Rd for about a year and “works down the back on the unishredder machine”.
Siaosi is in his fourth year at Marist, and he said there had been a noticeable change in the club, who are celebrating their 75th jubilee, under the captaincy of lock Peter Beech.
“Just a good captain, a good culture, and the bonding of the boys, it’s a lot different this year the way we are now.”
He said that had given his own game a boost and he’s enjoying playing with a forward pack that has dominated most other opposition.
Despite Marist’s position, in a share of the lead with Greytown, and almost guaranteed a semifinal and a potential home semi, Siaosi said the team are keeping their feet on the ground.
“I’m pretty confident with the way we are going now, but the boys like to keep it humble and just carry on week by week.”
Siaosi said there is also a special bond in the team, with many of the players of Samoan origin.
“I’ve known the Samoan boys for a long time now and a lot are like family,” he said.
“Even when I was younger and a little boy watching them play rugby and now, I’m playing with them and that’s pretty cool.”
Outside rugby, the happy hooker likes to spend time with his partner Sidney or hang out with the boys. He also goes to the gym almost every day to train.
