Northern Suburbs back Reece Mau’u thought his childhood dream of playing professional rugby was over several times throughout his 20s.

The outside back had been one of the most dominant and consistent players in the Shute Shield for several seasons.

But luck didn’t seem to be on his side, with injuries slowing his progress and younger teammates picked before him for higher honours.

That all changed though, late last year when Mau’u received a phone call from Waratahs’ coach Darren Coleman.

“I did probably start to think that the dream was over once I hit my mid 20s. But it’s ridiculous because at 27, I’m a much better player and better athlete than I was when I was in my early 20s,” he told Rugby News.