FOR LUKE McAlister, like so many others who went before them, nothing beats representing the New Zealand Maoris – partly because one of those who went before him was his father, Charlie.
Actually, he missed out on his Maori heritage from the age of four to 12 when he lived in Manchester while his father played rugby league. Though well versed by his father by the time he had the honour of making his debut for the Maoris against the Lions, nothing could have prepared him for that first week.
“I picked up on the spiritual side of things, the cultural aspect and about heritage and what’s gone before us. And even now we’re still learning. That’s the big thing about this side. It’s one side I really enjoy being a part of, just because everyone clicks straight away. We take pride on what’s gone on before us and who’s worn the jersey before us. As soon as you put on the jersey you become a different person.”
His first game for the Maoris was against the Lions in 2005. “I don’t think I ever felt like that for a game before, just everyone is on the same page and working for each other. It’s a pretty awesome feeling.”
McAlister’s earliest memories were of his father training and playing league for Oldham, then Sheffield, Keighley and Whitehaven, though initially he preferred playing football with his mates before taking to rugby league.
Back at Westlake Boys High School on Auckland’s North Shore, his dad was the team’s coach for three years. “And I can always count on him to send me a few texts after every game, and be straight up with me.
“The support I get from my family is critical. It’s a tough job and you need your family behind you the whole time.”
Given he’s only 26, he’s had plenty of reason to lean on that familial support structure.
“Everything happened pretty quickly for me. I’ve been married, I’ve been divorced, me and my ex-partner broke up three years ago, had a kid at a young age, became a professional sportsman at 18 and was an All Black at 21. It’s been a pretty quick ride.
“But it’s been a good journey and, hopefull,y I’ve got a few more good years left in me.”
He progressed through North Harbour at 18 to the Auckland Blues at 20. Initially an outhalf, he’s gradually been converted to inside centre, exploiting his strength, devastating sidestep, flair and goalkicking.
However, having been part of the implosion in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final against France in Cardiff, he upped and left for two seasons to Sale. “And I thought, ‘why not go now, when I’m young and able to add to a team than going when I’m 30.”
He found being in a new dressingroom where he knew nobody daunting, but looking back reckons “it was one of the best things I could have done”.
He admits he struggled to re-adapt to the pace of the game in New Zealand, while his last 12 months have been blighted by injuries (ankle ligaments, broken nose) and it’s getting to him.
You see McAlister on the pitch, tattooed, muscular, uber- confident and adventurous. Cool Hand Luke. But appearances can be deceptive. He talks quietly and slowly, reveals a very human side and self-deprecating humour, and knows he needs a couple of good performances for the Maoris to get back into the All Blacks’ Tri-Nations squad.
“This is a great opportunity for me to show what I can do. I’ve just to put my hand up and if I don’t then I guess I’ll be back to North Harbour and club rugby. But to be a part of this Maori team is very special and I’m very grateful.
“It’s something that I love.”
