Karl Tu'inukuafe's Hollywood tale has been given another chapter after the All Blacks prop was revealed as a finalist for the Breakthrough Player of the Year at this year's World Rugby Awards.
Tu'inukuafe could become the third All Black to win the award in four years, following in the footsteps of Nehe Milner-Skudder (2015) and Rieko Ioane (2017).
But the 25-year-old is up against some stiff competition with South Africa's Aphiwe Dyantyi and Ireland's Jordan Larmour named as the other two nominees.
Tu'inukuafe has become a fan favourite in just over six months of rugby thanks to his whirlwind rise to the black jersey and humble beginnings in the sport.
The Blues-bound front rower revealed to 1 NEWS in May shortly after being called into the All Blacks that he had only returned to the sport for health reasons.
The Chiefs front rower is living the dream.
"I was living in Mangere when I got married and I chucked on the weight because I wasn't playing," Tu'inukuafe said.
"About 2013-14, I was sitting around – I had a desk job with security – so I just put on the weight and then I talked to the doctors about feeling a bit weird and he gave it to me straight; 'You've got to lose weight'."
So Tu'inukuafe opted to join his cousins at Takapuna Rugby Club to help solve his health issues.
"They were just saying I should come along so I decided to join them. I thought it would be fun playing with the family.
"I thought rugby would be an easier way to lose weight than to do it on my own."
Fast forward and Tu'inukuafe was plying his trade with North Harbour this year when Chiefs coach Colin Cooper called him in as injury cover. But his scrummaging skills also quickly caught the eye of All Blacks scrum coach Mike Cron, and head coach Steve Hansen.
He made his first All Blacks camp in Christchurch in May as a replacement for Tim Perry and made his Test debut a month later off the bench in a 52-11 win over France at Eden Park.
Speaking to media after the match, the prop explained his emotions, after he could be seen fighting back tears during the national anthem.
Karl Tu'inukuafe made his first All Blacks appearance in the 52-11 victory over France.
"I was just thinking about my grandparents, wishing they were here to see it," he said.
"I know they're looking down on me, I was real happy once it was over."
After four further appearances off the bench, Tu'inukuafe earned his first start against the Pumas in Nelson - a place he has held on to for the All Blacks' final three Rugby Championship Tests.
He has also been named in the All Blacks' end-of-year tour squad and will come off the bench in tonight's Bledisloe Cup match against the Wallabies in Yokohama, Japan.
SHARE ME