Born: September 9, 1980 – Auckland
Test record: 13 Tests (2006-09) – 1 try (4 points)
Tours: 2006 Four Nations, 2008 World Cup

Bruising South Sydney forward David Fa’alogo’s 13-Test tenure in the Kiwi jumper encompassed a prominent role in New Zealand’s iconic 2008 World Cup triumph, while his professional career garnered more than 250 club appearances.

Something of a late-bloomer, the Mount Albert and Papatoetoe product made his NRL debut as a 22-year-old centre for the Rabbitohs in 2003. He transitioned to the pack the following year, however – the first of six straight seasons he would make 20-plus appearances for the club – and earned a Kiwis debut in the second-row for the 2006 Anzac Test.

Fa’alogo played four matches during the Tri Nations at the end of the year and started at lock in the epic extra-time defeat to Australia in the final. He retained the No.13 jersey for the 2007 Anzac Test clash with the Kangaroos, but a seven-match suspension late in the season for infamously punching Braith Anasta rubbed him out of Souths’ return to the finals for the first time in 18 years and the Kiwis’ post-season campaign.

Regrouping in 2008, Fa’alogo played in the SCG Centenary Test against Australia, scored a try off the bench in New Zealand’s World Cup pool win over Papua New Guinea, and lined up in the second-row in the group-stage and semi-final victories against England and the euphoric 34-20 upset of the Kangaroos in the final.

Fa’alogo’s last appearance for New Zealand was in its 38-10 Anzac Test loss in Brisbane in 2009.

He proved a valuable acquisition during three years at Huddersfield before returning to the NRL with Newcastle Knights from 2013-15, a period that encompassed four Tests for Samoa at the 2013 World Cup.

A season with Queensland Cup outfit Ipswich Jets in 2016 provided a postscript to Fa’alogo’s playing days.