20 Questions: Nili Latu – Newcastle back-row

Big sigh of relief to be safe from relegation?
We had to wait to the end of the London Irish game last week to know whether we were safe or not but the boys have been pretty relaxed all week since.
What does avoiding relegation mean for the Falcons?
The season hasn’t unfolded how we wanted to but we have a lot to look forward to for the upcoming season. I can’t wait for the opportunity to show how good we really are as a team.
What will have to improve to avoid being in the relegation fight again?
We have to finish off the games we are in control of. A few times this season we were in the lead but we let the result slip and it dragged us down.
When did you realise the relegation fight was a reality for the club?
We went out with the mind of finishing in the top half of the table but gradually things didn’t work out for us. We had to re-focus on what was important and that was to win every game.
Was is a cup final every week after that?
Yeah, pretty much. When you’re in the relegation battle you have to look at getting anything you can out of every game. We always tried our best and that’s something we can take into next season.
Did it mean changing the way you approached games?
Our backs were against the wall but we still wanted to have a bit of fun. We felt at times we got caught up in the pressure the relegation battle brings. You play better when you have fun so we had to remember that.
Sounds like the Pacific Islander way of thinking?
Polynesians play rugby because they enjoy it and there are a few in the squad so we tried to have everyone thinking that way.
What about your own season?
I really enjoyed Newcastle and I settled in very quickly. I joined after the World Cup but I tried to slot into the squad as best as I could. I’m very happy here and that’s definitely helped my performances on the pitch.
What’s your role on the pitch?
I see myself as a link player between the forwards and the backs. I grew up playing in the backs which helped developing my skills on the ball. That’s why I quite often pop up at half-back.
Sounds like the George Smith or Josh Kronfeld way of playing?
When I switched to the back- row in high school, Josh was a player I looked up to because he was the best openside in New Zealand at the time. George is great over the ball and I try to emulate that, too.
Your style was noticed when Andy Goode was around, did you enjoy playing with him?
He’s old school and it was very easy for me to play off him. His experience was great for everyone at the club and he brought a lot of calm to the team because of the way he controlled the game.
Where did it all start for you?
I started my career with Bay of Plenty back in 2003. I then moved up to Super Rugby with the Chiefs and the Hurricanes before moving to Japan in 2007.
One of the first players to go there, weren’t you?
It was great to play there. The rugby has improved a lot and it showed at the World Cup.
Talking about the World Cup, what did you make of Tonga’s campaign?
The most disappointing thing for us was that we didn’t perform as well as we could. Losing to Georgia was tough to take. It feels like we’re rebuilding every year but that’s the way it is.
What’s next for Tonga?
We play Georgia again this summer before the Pacific Nations Cup against Samoa and Fiji. Doing well in the PNC is very important to us over the next two years to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.
If not rugby, what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a policeman growing up so I’d probably be doing that.
Favourite cheat meal?
I’m really bad and I love KFC.
Three special dinner guests?
My grandfather David, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Mariah Carey.
Best and worst banter at Falcons?
Sonatane Takulua is the best but he can be the worst too.
Best and worst dressed?
Best would be Mouritz Botha but I’ll give Tane the worst again.