Chiefs call-up a surprise

Photo: Dominion Post

BIG SURPRISE: Coach Ian Foster welcomes Manukau’s Tim Nanai-Williams to the Chiefs 2010 Super 14 squad.

Shocked but stoked is Tim Nanai-Williams' reaction to being named in the Chiefs Super 14 squad.

The 20-year-old utility back joins wing Lelia Masaga as the only Steeler in the 28-strong Chiefs squad named by coach Ian Foster last Wednesday.

Masaga, 23, has been a regular choice for the Chiefs since 2006 but it's Nanai-Williams' first step into rugby's big time and he is really excited.

"I was in shock when I got the call. I wasn't expecting to get called up so soon. I thought I'd make it next year but was really stoked when told I was in."

Nanai-Williams has made every post a winner since deciding he wanted to be a rugby player in his final two years at The Manurewa High School.

"I wasn't very bright at school.

"Rugby was the only thing I was good at so I decided to concentrate on becoming a professional rugby player."

The teenager who rates Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu and Jeff Wilson as his favourite All Blacks showed early glimpses of his pedigree.

He played for New Zealand Schoolboys in 2006 and 2007, the New Zealand under-17s and at 17 was one of the youngest to play for the Counties Manukau Steelers.

His break into the senior ranks came last season when he was named in the Steelers for the first time.

His performance for the Counties Manukau sevens team last year also caught the eye of Gordon Tietjens who drafted him into his New Zealand sevens team. He was good enough to retain his spot in this year's team.

Steelers coach Milton Haig says Nanai-Williams deserves his selection by the Chiefs.

"It's fantastic news for a young boy who has played all his rugby locally. He is a shining example for all young rugby players in Counties Manukau."

Nanai-Williams says there's no one happier than his nana Lourosa, his mother Aolele and dad Tavaefaga.

He even got a congratulatory call from his older brother Nick Williams, the former North Harbour and Blues No 8 who plays for Munster.

"They're really proud and very happy for me. But this means I'm going to have to train a lot harder. Playing against Australians and South Africans is a huge step up for me so I have to prepare well."

Now that he's secured himself a contract, Nanai-Williams is thinking about going back to school again.

"It is important for rugby players to have a career after rugby. I have maybe 10 years in me if I'm lucky and stay injury free. I want to be a physical education teacher and with the help of the Chiefs will look to enrol next year."

His other dream is to play rugby on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. That's now a distinct possibility with Melbourne being invited to join the other franchises in a new Super 15 competition.