24 Facts About Ali Lauiti'iti

Ali Lauiti'iti was touted as "The Michael Jordan of Rugby League" in his playing days due to his large hands and athleticism.

Ali Lauiti'iti played rugby league football for the Mangere East club in 1996, and shone as a junior in their U19 side in 1997, scoring 17 tries in 19 games.

Ali Lauiti'iti went on to gain international honours with the Junior Kiwis that year, and again in 1998.

Ali Lauiti'iti is the uncle of New Zealand Warriors player Ali Leiataua and Dolphins player Herman Ese'ese.

Ali Lauiti'iti was selected for the New Zealand test squad for the 2000 ANZAC test but missed out on final selection for the match, instead making a try-scoring debut against the Cook Islands at Reading in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup.

Ali Lauiti'iti scored against Wales in the next game at the Millennium Stadium.

Ali Lauiti'iti was an integral part of the Warriors squad that reached the 2002 NRL Grand Final, the first time in the club's history, however they lost the match to the Sydney Roosters.

Ali Lauiti'iti scored in the third test against Great Britain.

Ali Lauiti'iti had appeared in 115 games for the Warriors and scored 33 tries by the time he left the club after the 2003 NRL season.

Ali Lauiti'iti made his debut for Leeds against Salford and took little time to settle in, scoring his first try in the subsequent game against Bradford Bulls.

Ali Lauiti'iti played for the Leeds Rhinos at second-row forward in their 2004 Super League Grand Final victory against the Bradford Bulls.

Ali Lauiti'iti's 14 tries includes an incredible five tries against Wakefield when he came off the bench to become the first forward in the summer era to score five tries.

Ali Lauiti'iti was named in 2005's Super League Dream Team.

Ali Lauiti'iti helped Leeds to their second successive Super League Grand Final appearance when he scored the winning try against St Helens with an 80-metre run in the Grand Final Qualifier, then played in the 2005 Super League Grand Final which ended in defeat for Leeds.

Ali Lauiti'iti was selected to represent the All Golds side in the match against The Northern Union at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington in October 2007, scoring two tries in the match.

Ali Lauiti'iti played in the 2009 Super League Grand Final victory over St Helens at Old Trafford.

Ali Lauiti'iti played in the 2011 Super League Grand Final victory over St Helens at Old Trafford.

Ali Lauiti'iti joined in the first season that featured former rugby league stars.

Ali Lauiti'iti revealed he retired from rugby due to arthritic knees, partially made worse by his sweet tooth and liking milk chocolate.

Ali Lauiti'iti was exempt from doing the Bronco fitness test, the 1.2km aerobic fitness and agility test.

Ali Lauiti'iti performed a ramp test on an exercise bike instead so body weight and gravity aren't taken into account.

Ali Lauiti'iti lost the IronMaori triathlon challenge as he fell too far behind on the cycling leg.

Ali Lauiti'iti admitted his competitiveness has waned due to his body slowing and breaking down.

Ali Lauiti'iti's mind was already drifted away from the game the moment he contemplated leaving the Warriors, and his overseas move was purely a way to earn more money to provide for his growing family.