Following a sensational year in the second tier of the ITM Cup the Counties-Manukau Steelers watched a host of their players receive Super XV contracts for the 2013 season, amongst them halfback Augustine Pulu.
A member of the Chiefs wider training squad for the 2012 season Pulu has been selected in coach Dave Rennie’s full squad as the reigning champions set about the new challenge of defending their title.
Pulu, or Mad Dog as he is known by his team mates, was an integral part of Tana Umaga’s Steelers side which set the ITM Cup Championship alight last year, winning the final and earning promotion to the Premiership for the 2013 season.
The Chiefs have a great mix within their halfback ranks, with Pulu joining veteran former All Black Brendan Leonard and break-out star of 2012 Tawera Kerr-Barlow in Hamilton.
Pulu will have plenty of familiar faces around him for the season ahead, with fellow-Steelers Bundee Aki, Fritz Lee, Tim Nanai-Williams and Mahonri Schwalger all part of the Chiefs squad for 2013.