Thirteen-year-old Olu Siohane-Hune's start to rugby league stands out for many reasons other than his impressive 1.83 metre stature.
Two years ago he was publicly questioned over his age at an under-11 Māori rugby league tournament, the then 10 year-old was accused of cheating because he was bigger than the other players.
Disparaging comments about his size have followed ever since, but it hasn't deterred him from playing.
"It's my passion I love this sport, this sport keeps me up, it helps me be who I was meant to be," Siohane-Hune told 1News Sport.
"All the hate comments I just push that out and I tell myself to keep on going, I knew I could make it.
"I just kept being who I am supposed to be."
His perseverance paid off.
Earlier this month the Porirua boy was flown to Auckland after being scouted among hundreds of Kiwi kids for a specialist training camp run by Educational Sports Programme Trust (ESP) in partnership with the Brisbane Broncos.
ESP Trust has been running the camp for four years in combination with NRL clubs.
While it is a pathway for players, the goal of the camps is to better prepare 14-year-old's for the physical, mental and emotional pressures of professional rugby league through a holistic approach.
The only problem was, at the time of selection, Siohane-Hune was only 12.
"We had to tell his father Stan, hey look, he's too young he'll be in next year's intake," said ESP Trust Executive Chairman Dixon McIver.
"It wasn't until he sent us the link to the story that had transpired, I said we can't deny this kid.
"We couldn't deny this young man the opportunity considering what he'd been through and I'm so glad we did, he's a wonderful kid, regardless of what this boy does in life, he will succeed."
Siohane-Hune's dad, Stan Hune said his whānau were more nervous than he was about the trip.
"Because he seemed so confident, it helped reduce the nerves leading up to going into camp," he said.
Siohane-Hune was put through physical testing, similar to NFL combine testing, while also attending seminars led by leading rugby league figures.
Despite being their youngest ever participant, McIver said he and the staff at the training camp were blown away, not just by the youngster's footy skills, but his attentiveness and maturity.
So much so, he was one of 10 boys given an individual prize for his efforts during the three-day camp.
"We've got no regrets, that boy did not look out of place at all," said McIver.
"Even in the scrimmage game he played he was powerful, strong, his attention to wanting to learn, willingness to be part of everything.
"You can have all the talent in the world but if you don't have a strong mindset you'll get found out."
Siohane-Hune will be back in December when it's the Melbourne Storm's turn to host the training camp and he'll be invited to return next year too.
"To make the NRL is something I want to achieve, especially for my mum she's the one who helped me through this," said the 13-year-old.
"I don't really mind who I play for but I do like the Warriors... and maybe the Broncos!"
His father hopes his journey can bring about a higher purpose for their community and rangatahi.
"I think he could be a good ambassador to raise awareness around mental health, I'm mindful he has the potential to be someone great in rugby league.
"I think because he's been able to overcome what he has, he could offer a lot of inspiration for those that may be struggling and that we can find positives out of the negatives."
SHARE ME