ROB Puli'uvea has ticked a lot of boxes since leaving Newcastle on a rugby journey eight years ago.
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The barnstorming lock has played for Norths and Wests in Brisbane, captaining the latter to the semi-finals this season. He has played three seasons in the National Rugby Championships - one with Queensland Country and two for Brisbane City.
Sandwiched in the middle was a season playing professionally in France.
Now 31 and with a young family, Puli'uvea and wife Emma are moving home.
After eight years playing in the Queensland Premier Rugby, Puli'uvea is keen to test himself with the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
"It has been a long time since I played in front of extended family and friends," Puli'uvea said. "I'm pretty excited. I have two kids and my oldest son, Bentley, starts school next year. That was the main reason for coming home. In terms of rugby, I thought about giving it up or playing in the local comp.
"The fact the Wildfires are in it for the next few years, I still want to test myself in top-class rugby. It was really good timing with how it worked out."
Puli'uvea will add size and experience to a Wildfires pack that has lost OJ Noah (Sharks) and Henry Stowers (Moana Pacifika) to Super Rugby.
"Rob is a great get for us," Coleman said. "He gives us some grunt and leadership. He has played at a high level and is super keen to represent Newcastle. It is his hometown. He has been away for eight years and is keen to come back and give it a crack."
Puli'uvea joins a growing list of players Coleman has lured home. Jack Young has returned from Manly and fellow No.9 Jayden Duffy is back after a stint with Gordon.
"That is one of the big aims of the program," Coleman said. "A lot of players have moved away chasing a dream. Now they can come home, live with their families and still chase the dream. Being comfortable and in the right environment off the field, will only make their football better."
Puli'uvea is looking forward to reuniting with recently signed NSW prop Ruan Smith.
"I played with Ruan and his brother at Brisbane City," Puli'uvea said. "I'm pretty excited to see him. If he is not playing for the Waratahs, it would be good to have a run with him at the Wildfires. Bubba (Coleman) is recruiting well."
"I expect the Shute Shield to be similar to the Brisbane competition. In the past couple of years the Reds and Queensland rugby have put a lot of energy into improving. There is a real focus of developing players in club rugby for Super Rugby. I still expect the Shute Shield to have slight step up in professionalism."
James Gardiner
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
James Gardiner, chief football and rugby writer at the Newcastle Herald.
