Ories legend Paulo Aukuso approaches 180 games

Paulo Aukuso has rugby in his blood. A proud Samoan, most of his family are talented rugby players- most notably his cousins Julian and Ardie Savea.

He admits family get-togethers are no small event and involve tucking into some decent kai.

"It's like all the Grandkids, Aunties and Uncles- usually at least 30 people. It's pretty much all about enjoying typical Island food like Taro or raw fish and maybe some takeaways although Ardie and Jules try to stay away from that!"

"It's just a good yarn, we have a good feed or sometimes take a rugby ball to Rongotai College and chuck the ball around"

Aukuso is a bit of a legend in the Ories clubrooms, having notched up 176 games for the premier club. He debuted while still a fifth former at Rongotai College and he vividly recalls his nerves that day.

"Our first-fifteen had a bye and Ories needed a reserve back. My Uncle Lui Aukuso, who was playing at the time, called me up. I was pretty nervous playing against these huge guys! I got on in the last 15 minutes and jumped onto the wing"

Aukuso's family are a talented bunch. His partner Lizzie Goulden is a member of the Manawatu Cyclones training squad. His brother Matthias Lima and cousins Tylah Reihana and Aqua Aukuso represent Ories. His father, Naiana Lima, also represented the black'n'white, not to mention his Aunties and Uncles who played for the club.

If that isn't enough, his Uncle is Brian Lima, a Samoan rugby legend nicknamed the 'Chiropractor' for his bone-crunching tackles.

Why stop there? His other brother Alex Lima used to dance for the Royal Family and now teaches his passion. Finally, his cousin Ezrah Vaigafa is a NZ-under-16 basketball representative.

Aukuso was brought up in Newtown prior to moving to Kilbirnie. A household full of energetic rugby kids meant only one thing, indoor rugby!

"When we were little, I remember playing rugby in the lounge. I used to play Jules and Ardie on my knees because I was older than them. I would get them to run straight at me and I'd put in a big hit to harden them up!"

Aukuso was a relative late starter into the rugby scene, after his mum convinced him to play rugby for the Under-11's team. He certainly made up for lost time and, while still in fifth form, earnt selection for the Rongotai College First XV.

Aukuso is a proud Ories player and he loves the club culture.

"Ories is family-orientated and everyone looks after each other. All my family has been here, its great"

His favourite moment in an Ories jersey was during the 2011 Jubilee Cup Final triumph against Norths.

"Winning the Jubilee Cup, we wouldn't have ever thought we would've got that far. We were about 10-0 down, standing behind the posts and listening to Norths supporters telling us to give up but we managed to pull through"

Now 30, Aukuso remains ambitious.

"I've always wanted to play for the Lions, I'd love to get an opportunity to prove myself at that level"

Aukuso's bullocking runs and fierce defence has been key for Ories this season. Some even compare his playing style to fellow Ories old boy Ma'a Nonu although Aukuso himself isn't so sure!

"I don't really see it, but other people definitely do. I guess it's the playing style or size. Ever since I got the dreads people compare us even more!"

He is happy with where his game is at although he does recognise one aspect he'd like to improve.

"I've always wanted to work on my defence, but I feel that's getting up there now. I really need to work on my kicking because I never kick and prefer to run it!"

Away from rugby, Aukuso simply loves to chill out with the family. He is currently in a labouring job while he assesses his future career options.

Irrespective of whether Aukuso achieves his goal of representing the Lions, there is little doubt he has made his family proud with his commitment to his club.

It'd be fair to say, Aukuso truly lives up to the famous club line:

"Once an Orie, always an Orie!"