At a time when a seemingly endless procession of Manly players are defecting to arch rivals Parramatta, Halauafu Lavaka has gone the other way.
Kieran Foran, Clint Gutherson, James Hasson, Anthony Watmough, David Gower and coach Brad Arthur are among those who have swapped the northern beaches for the western suburbs in recent times. There's every chance another will be making the switch, with Kiwi utility Peta Hiku considering wearing blue and gold next year despite interest from Wests Tigers, Gold Coast and St George Illawarra. Despite extending his contract with Parramatta earlier this year, Lavaka has gone the other way.
The Sea Eagles have continued their impressive recruitment drive with the signing of the former Australian Schoolboys winger on a one-year deal after the Eels granted him a release. While he hasn't got the profile of Manly's marquee recruits, Lavaka's ability to find the tryline is unquestioned. The Griffith product topped the National Youth Competition try-scoring list in 2014 and earned a start in Parramatta's Nines squad this year, scoring the match-sealing try on debut, ironically against the Silvertails.
New Manly coach Trent Barrett gave the 21-year-old an opportunity to start the pre-season with the side and was sufficiently impressed to table a contract. "I've got to thank Manly for throwing me an opportunity. As they say, one door closes and another opens," Lavaka said.
"It's a great opportunity for me to join a good club with a good history. The two clubs have a bitter rivalry and it would definitely be a dream come true if I came up against the former club. That would be good.
"I'm pretty confident in my ability and really want to succeed. It would be a blessing for me and I would be humbled to come up against the former club and give them a chance to see what they are missing out on."
Lavaka left his parents' home in Griffith at the age of 14 to pursue his NRL dream and has spent time at Canterbury, Penrith and Parramatta. He is again living with his mum and dad in the western suburbs and helping to make ends meet on and off the field.
"I own my own concrete business now, so when I'm not on the paddock running around, I'm on high-rise buildings and job sites doing some construction and concreting," he said.
"I'm from a very big family that's passionate and hungry for success. It's a very big, but poor, family but certainly one that is very hard working.
"I'm looking to be hungry in any field of work, football or school system. There were a lot of big sacrifices, especially for myself moving away from my family at a young age.
"Not having much, being in the position I am today, I'm humbled to continue with the talent I'm blessed with. I want to use my ability as best I can.
"I'm a family man and my parents have done so much for me. This is my opportunity to give back for all they have done."
