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New Zealand Player of the Year
Anthony Seiuli born 13 March 1981 is the 3rd oldest sibling of 9 children, which consist of 2 boys and 7 girls. Anthony is probably better known as the New Zealand U19 player of the year in 1999. He was quickly snatched up in 1999 by the Otago Highlanders in the Super 12 season and had a successful start for the Highlanders against the Wellington Hurricanes in which he scored two tries on debut. He played out the rest of his year with the Highlanders before being drafted into the Waikato Chiefs’ lineup the following year in 2000 where he played centre for the chiefs’ and earned praise for his style of attack and defense which would earn him a place in the New Zealand All Blacks trial. In his final game with the Chiefs’ in the final round robin which his team was unsuccessful in entering the semi finals, Anthony suffered a concussion when he collided heads with South African international Percy Montgomery, this would lead to a 6 week setback and ultimately Anthony would miss the All Blacks trial.

The Wonder Kid
Former All Black great Frank Bunce labeled Anthony Seiuli, better known as Tony The Wonder Kid Along with All Black greats such as Sean Fitzpatrick, Zinan Brooke, Aaron Mauger, Daniel Carter the praises for this young man spread even internationally with such Wallaby greats as Tim Horan and David Campese. The tag The Wonder Kid has been with Tony through out his National honors as he played for his beloved Auckland NPC team in 1999.

Astonishing Talent and Humbling Character
Tony’s freakish ability and vision in the game hit new heights with interests from rich Rugby Clubs from around the world especially form European Clubs such as Munster, Toulouse, Wasps, Leicester Tigers, and Yamato Rugby Club from Japan who offered a $600,000 per year contract for 3 years. The interest grew also from rival codes such as the NRL who sought for his signature with the Melbourne Storm, The West Tigers, Canterbury Bulldogs and the Brisbane Broncos. But all proposals from these various clubs were turned down and he would settle for a mere $60,00 contract to play in the premiere NPC team Auckland. His attitude toward where his heart lies in the sport of Rugby despite the lucrative offers that would have pushed many young players to sign off shore from New Zealand, is a testament to his loyalty and passion for the game that is driven on his love for the game and not on the monetary need. This would earn him the respect from his peers.

His career Highlights
From a young age of 19, Tony became the youngest ever Auckland Development Captain and would captain the side to two Coronation Shield championships. He was runner up in 2001 behind Richie McCaw as the New Zealand young Player of the year would captain the New Zealand Development team against France, Argentina, Australia and England in 2002. He played and important role for Auckland when they would defeat Canterbury in the Semi Final of the NPC championship in 2002. In 2003 he was name in the Auckland Blues Super 12 Team and would pair with All Black centre Mils Muliai'ina. But tragedy struck Tony in the secound round pre-season match against the ACT Brumbies when he collided into the knee of George Smith and suffered another concussion. He returned in round six of the Auckland Blues campaign only to suffer another blow to the head when he made the 2003 try saving tackle against South African Hooker and Springbok captain John Smit in which he saved the match winning try against the Blues but was knocked out cold when it was revealed the knee of John Smit had connected with Tony's head. The Auckland Blues went on that year to win the Super 12 trophy and several players were selected in the All Blacks that would win back the Bledisloe Cup from Australia who had held the cup for the past 5 years.
Soon after missing out on the All Blacks Tri-Nations, Anthony would return to Auckland NPC 2003 campaign and would return to blistering form against all his opposing challengers and would again be favored to wear the No 13 Jersey for the End of year tour, but in the last match again in the final round robin and 4 weeks out from the selection of the All Blacks announcement for the end of year tour, Anthony again would be denied a ticket on the plane to Europe when he was takled by All Black No 8 Sione Lauaki in a spear tackle and was driven to the ground and he suffered head injuries that would put him out for the year.
Since 2005, Anthony has again been the most outstanding player and was considered the preferred centre for the All Blacks by all peers both in New Zealand and world wide.
In 2005, Anthony was forced to sign with the Canterbury Crusaders, he was considered the sign of the year for the franchise. He paired with All Black Aaron Mauger and played an outstanding first 5 rounds. He was considered even at that stage the likely contender to play centre for the All Blacks to replace the soon retire\ing All Black great, his cousin, Tana Umaga. Tana Umaga was even quoted as stating that Anthony was not only the best centre he had played against in years, but that he was currently in his form the most dominant to date. But luck did not go his way in 2005. In the Crusaders next match against his beloved Auckland Blues, controversy surrounded his non selection, many state he said he would never play against Auckland or the Auckland Blues, but to this date Tony has remained silent regarding his non selection and many in the public domain debated whether or not he was being loyal to the Canterbury fans.

Out Again
In round 5 of the Super 12, Anthony suffered another blow to the head and was injured and sidelined for the remainder of the Crusaders Super 12 tournament. At the end of 2005 Anthony Seiuli would sign with the Auckland Blues and commence his playing career with the Auckland NPC club. In the semi final match against N.Harbour, Tony suffered a back injury and would miss the All Blacks end of year tour, but fate would play a cruel role in 2006 pre-season match when back from Injury, Tony suffered another concussion which would rule him out of Rugby for the rest of 2006.

Australia Bound
After a long talk with his All Black great Uncle and manager, Brian Williams, Tony decided to move abroad to Australia where he has taken a low profile to recuperate and hopefully return the the Rugby stage. It is not known yet when this young blistering talent will return but as the current All Black Coach Graeme Henry advised, that he believes Tony Seiuli still has the eye of the All Black management. Anthny Seiuli is still considered one of New Zealand’s best inside centres and many are hoping the return of The Wonder Kid real soon. He already has a great fan base of over 25,000 in Auckland alone, he has played along side the likes of Luke McAllister, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Ben Atiga and the list goes on.
In 2007, Anthony Seiuli was not notable in any of the New Zealand Super Rugby teams. Where ever this young star is, we hope he returns soon. As they say, the Rugby arenas world wide will becon his return it would be inevitable he would return.