Robbie Farah recalls a 'chubby little Islander' when he thinks back to when he first laid eyes on Wests Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki.

"When he first came, he was this pretty chubby Islander dude with a head full of hair,'' Farah joked.

"He didn't really talk much to any of the boys.''

Forty-nine games on, Farah has a different opinion.

"Taniela is a real character. He is great for the club.''

Tuiaki will play his 50th game for Wests Tigers against the Penrith Panthers at CUA Stadium on Saturday, July 26.

It seems like only yesterday coach Tim Sheens unleashed a raw giant on the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in round 11 of the 2006 season. Today, he has four Tests to his name for New Zealand.

Tuiaki's journey to Concord Oval began after assistant coach Royce Simmons spotted him playing for Tonga in the Pacific Cup tournament in New Zealand at the end of 2004. He previously played rugby in New Zealand.

Contracted to Balmain Ryde Eastwood Tigers, Tuiaki spent 2005 playing in the second-row before some eye-catching performances saw Sheens make him a full-time member of the Wests Tigers 2006 squad.

After being moved from the second-row to the wing due to the depth of back-rowers at the club, Tuiaki was invited to travel to New Zealand for the round 11 NRL match as the 18th man for Wests Tigers.

Centre Shane Elford was ruled out with a virus on the morning of the game, resulting in Sheens promoting Tuiaki to the interchange bench.

A rib injury to full-back Shannon McDonnell early in the game saw Tuiaki enter the field. He made an immediate impact. His first run required three Warriors players to pull him down, such was the strength of the man.

His fourth touch saw him score after running onto a magical flick pass from Benji Marshall. For the rest of the game, the Warriors struggled to contain him. Tuiaki capped off a dream debut with a second try.

Three more tries in his next three games led to Tuiaki signing a two-year-deal with Wests Tigers.

Sheens was full of praise for his hard-working winger on the eve of his 50th game.

"It is an achievement for Taniela considering where he came from. He was a late starter to the game and had a rugby union background,'' Sheens said.

"He has got Tests jumpers now. It is great. I am really pleased for him.''

So is Farah. The 'chubby' little islander now boasts huge thighs, makes barnstorming runs and fends off opponents like flies. He has scored 20 tries - eight this season alone - in 49 games. Daniel Fitzhenry holds the club record for most tries with 43 in 119 games.

"I am pleased for Taniela,'' Farah said.

"I am sure he will feel very proud running out for his 50th game."