Meikle: Your first name — any story behind it, and how do you pronounce it?
Pasitoa: "Ruh-shan". I think my parents just kind of made it up. I think there’s different spellings or pronunciations that are similar, but as far as I know, I think I’m the only Reesjan with that spelling. I’m certain I’ve never seen another one like it.
Born in Perth and lived there until I was about 14, 15. Then we moved to Brisbane. My mum’s German, and my dad’s Niuean. Most of my mum’s side of the family, I think, are in Germany. And my dad’s side, some are here in New Zealand and some in Australia. I went to Germany a few times when I was younger. I loved it over there.
In terms of your rugby life, you’ve packed a lot in at the age of 24. Brumbies, Force — how does it feel to be a Highlanders man now?
It’s cool. I’ve been on a bit of a journey, and there’s been some real highs and some lows as well, through injuries and all that. But I’m excited for this next journey. I’m excited for the change and the change of environment. And so far, it’s been really good and really refreshing. Yeah, I’m loving it.
And Dunedin?
It’s cool here. To be honest, it reminds me a lot of Canberra, like a smallish city. It doesn’t take too long to get from one end to the other. There’s a real community feeling and we’ve been able to venture out on a few weekends. We went out to Queenstown for a couple of days and then just popping out to Port Chalmers or wherever.
Jona Nareki taken you out fishing?
Oh, I’ve been trying to get in his ear, but no luck so far, ha ha.
You’ve come south with your family?
Yeah, my fiancee’s here with our 2-year-old daughter. And we’ve got another girl on the way. She’s due in April. I try to get most of my work done when I’m in the building, so when I’m at home I can just be a dad, a good dad and a good partner and just be present, really. We’ve got a few dads in here so we try to connect outside of it and get the families together.
There’s a famous quote from Wallabies great Tim Horan, who saw you play at 20 and said he wanted to see you in the Australian squad right away. How have you dealt with some expectations on you then things like injuries slowing you down?
I’ve got a good support network around me, good relationships that I can lean on. I think my first injury was a blessing in disguise. I had a year to work on myself and find out more about my identity — that I’m not just a rugby player, there’s more to me. That was making a bad situation a good one, I guess. It is tough with injuries. It took me out for two seasons. This has always been my dream — to be a rugby player — and I don’t take that for granted. Confidence, I think, goes a long way. I feel like I’ve got a lot more to give and a lot more to grow.
What were the injuries?
ACL surgery. I did my knee — had a knee reconstruction. Surgery on my elbow — popped that out. Dislocated my shoulder. Poor timing, but I think everything happens for a reason. That first one, I was out for the whole next year, but I got to learn a lot more, find out more about myself and my body.
Speaking of ACLs, everyone down here is gutted for Dylan Pledger, who’s now out for a year with that injury. Any advice for the kid?
I had a yarn to him, actually. I know what he feels like, to a certain extent. I said, yeah, if you ever need something, even if it’s not rugby-related, if you want to catch up for a coffee, sing out. It’s a tough journey, because at the start, you don’t go very far. You start from the bottom and towards the end it starts to ramp up. Then you’re in training and you’re back in, so just trust the process.
How did you enjoy playing a bit of NPC rugby for Northland last year?
I loved it up there. It’s awesome. Didn’t know what too much to expect and I loved it. Awesome bunch of boys, great coaching staff, and again, just the community and the people we represent up there. Probably the best supporters up there for the NPC. I’m super keen to go back there.
Do you see New Zealand playing quite a big role in your future now, or you’ll see how this year goes?
I’m not too sure, really. I’d love to stay here. Wherever I go, I’ve always put my all in, and I’m not the kind of person that puts one foot in, one foot out. If I’m here, I’m in. And we’ve moved all our stuff here in a big shipping container, ha ha.
The Highlanders bring in players from all over the place. Are you picking up the vibe that for the team to be successful, everyone is going to need to get on the same page pretty quickly?
Yeah, definitely. And it’s awesome to have Nasi Manu kind of touch on what it is to be a Highlander and all that kind of stuff, and everyone’s really bought into that, especially the new boys. Essentially, it’s about being a good person. I can’t speak highly enough of this place and everyone here.
You’ve played first five, second five, even centre. Where do you want to play?
I always wanted to be a 10. Through injury and a couple other things, I got sort of pushed out a little bit into the midfield. But I would love to play 10. In the same breath, it’s about wherever is the best fit for the team. I’m happy to do my role and do my part.
You must have played at Forsyth Barr Stadium once or twice before?
Yeah, and didn’t get the win either. But it’s a good spot to play. Awesome crowd as well. Everyone just comes out and supports the team here. Even when we did the Christmas parade through town, I was just so shocked by how many people actually came and were waving at us.
Outside rugby and family, what else keeps you busy?
I try and play golf. Heaps of boys give it a go. Stanley Solomon’s got his own golf page. Taine Robinson, Jonah Lowe, Nikora Broughton — we play at St Clair. Great spot, great views.
