Ah Mau adding steel to Warriors
There was a long time when Leeson Ah Mau doubted he would ever be back in Warriors’ colours.
Indeed, having found a home at the Dragons, it appeared the softly-spoken enforcer would finish his career in Australia as another Warriors junior the club never saw the best of.
But almost a decade after leaving Mt Smart as a fresh-faced rookie, Ah Mau is back where it all began, and has returned in career-best form.
A model of consistency for several years, Ah Mau took it up a level in 2018, playing a key role in St George Illawarra’s run to the finals and earning a maiden callup to the Kiwis, playing in all five tests last year.
After luring him back to Auckland on a three-year deal, Warriors coach Stephen Kearney will be looking to the 29-year-old forward to make his presence felt in the middle of the park following the retirement of Simon Mannering and departure of James Gavet.
‘‘It’s been a long time and it’s really, really different,’’ Ah Mau said this week after completing another gruelling pre-season training session. ‘‘I left when I was fairly young and now I’ve come back with a few years under my belt in the NRL. I’ve had a few personal discussions with Mooks [Kearney] and I’m looking forward to earning that trust, and trying to add to an already impressive Warriors team. There’s a lot of good, young forwards here, I’m just trying to help those boys out.’’
A foundation member of the Warriors’ NYC side in 2008, Ah Mau made two first-grade appearances the following year before joining North Queensland at the end of the season. One of the main reasons for signing with the Cowboys was to play alongside older brother and mentor Isaak Ah Mau, who also played for Brisbane during his four years in the NRL. And it was family that brought him back home.
It was not an easy decision to leave the Dragons. Ah Mau spent the last seven seasons playing in the Big Red V and holds coach Paul McGregor in the highest regard. But married with one child, and another on the way, the chance to be closer to their family was too good to turn down.
He was also enticed by the challenge of stepping out of his comfort zone.
‘‘Being at a great club like the Dragons and everything they did for me, it was really hard to leave. But at the end of the day, I definitely had to put my family first. Also coming back here to grow as a player, being at the Dragons for so long, I wanted that change and challenge. I’m really excited to be a part of it.’’
After 16 tests and two World Cups with Samoa, the Otahuhu junior achieved another goal of representing his country of birth last year, becoming a regular off the bench in Michael Maguire’s Kiwis side.
Reflecting on his impressive season, Ah Mau said he has simply found what works for him – and it all starts with preparation.
‘‘Over the last couple of years I’ve found that consistency. I’ve been around for a while now, you mature and know what gets you going and what doesn’t.
‘‘That’s probably the biggest thing I’ve learned being over [in Australia] and learning off my brother, knowing that if you get your preparation right everything else will fall into place.’’
Ah Mau prefers to let his actions do the talking, making his 185cm, 110kg frame felt in the middle of the park.
‘‘He’s got a real presence about him,’’ Kearney said. ‘‘He’s pretty quiet but you know he’s out there, certainly when we’re doing contact.
‘‘He’s been a great addition for us.’’