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. 

“I might not have handled it then, whereas I’m confident that I’m up to it now and I think that’s important for young players to remember.”

Mau’u was at his family home, surrounded by his siblings, when Coleman called to offer Mau’u a chance to train with the Waratahs full time over summer. 

“It was pretty surreal to be honest. Everyone was crowded around listening to the call on loud speaker and I was just trying to keep it together.

“When I hung up, everyone went crazy and we were all jumping around. It was a pretty cool moment.”

The outside back thrived in the professional environment and said he’s now in the best shape of his career, both physically and mentally. 

“The physical training was intense but I think the improvement in my rugby IQ is probably the biggest difference. 

“I think I can read the game a lot better now which should help me make better decisions around the park more consistently. 

“At fullback, it’s so important to be able to predict the play before it happens so that you can be a step ahead and in a position to counter attack. That’s something I learnt a lot about and I think my overall rugby IQ improved a lot.”

Now, after a summer fling with rugby at the next level, Mau’u is determined to take the next step in his career. 

“I think I’ve been pretty consistent over the past few seasons in the Shute Shield. 

“DC actually mentioned a try I scored against Gordon back when he was coaching there. It’s nice to know that your performances at club level can lead to something more. 

“I’ve always had the hunger to do it, but getting my foot in the door, it’s given me the confidence that I really can play at that next level. 

“It honestly feels like it’s right there and I can almost touch it. 

“I’ve just got to keep being consistent and hopefully another opportunity comes.”

Mau’u grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches and played his junior rugby at Manly before moving to New Zealand to attend well known rugby nursery Otago Boys. 

After several seasons playing first XV, he spent time in the Highlanders academy but returned to live in Australia in his early 20s. 

“I originally turned up and played at Gordon because I was living nearby the club at the time,” he said with a laugh. 

“A friend from work told me about the North Sydney Bears rugby league team and when I went to search for them online, I found Norths Rugby almost by accident. 

“Simon Cron was coaching at the club back then and as a Kiwi, he knew all about Otago Boys. Mike Cross was also there and he also used to go to Otago Boys so it made it an easy choice.”

Since joining the club ahead of the 2018 season, Mau’u has developed into one of the most potent attacking weapons in the competition and been a consistent standout in a side that has come agonisingly close to winning another Shute Shield premiership on numerous occasions in recent years. 

“Even though we haven’t broken through to win a grand final, I do think we’ve become a better team every season and added new elements to our game. 

“We’ve done that again this year and I think for us it all just comes down to nailing our detail. If we can get that right, then I don’t think we’ll be stopped in 2024.”

Following team success, Mau’u said his next focus is earning another opportunity in professional rugby. 

“I’d love to play Super Rugby. It’s always been a dream of mine and I think I want to prove to myself that I am good enough to play in the competition that I’ve grown up watching. 

“If I can do that, I’d also be open to playing overseas. I’m 27, so I think I’ve got plenty of good rugby ahead of me still, I just need to keep working and keep believing.”