In a little over six months, NSW Waratahs recruit Irae Simone has returned to rugby union, won 13 straight matches to help Northern Suburbs claim their first Shute Shield title in 41 years, received the rookie of the year award and picked up a Super Rugby contract. Not bad for a kid who admits he’s still finding his feet in the 15-man game. After a brilliant 2016, 21-year old Simone is now one of the most exciting young prospects in Australian rugby but according to the humble Auckland born centre, he’s only just getting started. Simone grew up playing rugby league and was picked in the NZ Schoolboys side despite playing rugby for the majority of his senior high school years. He attracted interest from both codes in his final year of school but eventually signed with NRL club South Sydney at the end of 2013. At just 18, he said goodbye to his family in Auckland and flew to Sydney to pursue his NRL dream. “It was really tough to say goodbye to everyone, that was the hardest t