Simi powering his way to the top

He’s the young tearaway front-rower who has been quietly going about developing his craft in the NSW Cup in preparation for another crack on the big stage.

At 19 years of age, big Simione Laiafi has experienced a rapid rise through Manly’s pathways program.

This is the young kid who had everyone talking, following his exceptional performances for the Australian Schoolboys. From there, it was progressing through Manly’s junior rep teams, Jersey Flegg and onto NSW Cup.

His form was as impressive as the hype around the towering prop, eventually resulting in a well-deserved NRL debut for the Sea Eagles against the Sydney Roosters in round four this season.

Affectionately known as ‘Simi’, this quietly spoken and polite Christian is grateful for the blessings and opportunities that have already come his way, including learning from experienced Manly props Taniela Paseka and Siua Taukeiaho.

“It’s been a crazy journey. I didn’t think I would make my NRL debut so soon. I thought it would have been in my 20s. Glory to God,’’ Laiafi said.

‘’I reckon Taniela and Siua are the reason I did. I always lean on them for advice, and they are always willing to tip me up on stuff that I need, on and off the field. They have helped me grow as a player.

“Siua is just a great person. Being a premiership winner, he is so grounded. He is not ahead of himself. He puts others before himself.

“What I have learnt from them is to just be yourself. Don’t try to be like other people. You have your own talents.

“I’ve never had things like speed, like some others, so I’ve always just focused on what I already have and trying to develop that to make it perfect.

“I’m a religious man, and that comes first. God has helped me so much to be in the position I’m in.”

Laiafi’s fine form for Manly’s NSW Cup team this season has already been rewarded with a new two-year deal that will keep him at the Club until at least the end of the 2028 season.

Manly interim Coach Kieran Foran has been impressed by Laiafi’s form, with the giant forward’s name a regular selection in his NRL 22-man list.

“Simi has been brilliant. He’s one that we’ve got a huge opinion of. I think that we're going to get a lot out of him moving forward, especially this year,’’ Foran said.

“He’s a young front rower. People tend to forget he is only 19.

“Simi’s got a real point of difference. For a big guy, he’s got great legs. He's got a wonderful character.

“He makes tough carries and really punches through the defence. He generates momentum with his carries. We love that about him.

“We’re going to keep on finetuning this and keep growing the other parts of his game, which is going to come with more time and exposure to minutes.”