Soakai has used an injury break to buck a trend. Instead of piling on muscle, he has trimmed down.
"My playing weight last year was 103kg to 104kg and now I'm at 100kg," he told the Otago Daily Times.
"I think I might stick there because I feel a bit lighter and I feel quicker on my feet."
Quickness is important for a man in Soakai's position.
The openside flanker's game has never been built around supreme power or devastating defence.
He is a classic tearaway, with the speed to play sevens at the top level and the knack for turning up at the right place at the right time.
But it might also be argued that Soakai has never quite delivered on the promise he showed when he first emerged in an Otago jersey.
At 25, he is still a young man. But in rugby terms, he needs to strike now and make 2009-10 the best of his career.
Soakai will again push raw-boned Southlander Tim Boys for a start on the side of the Highlanders scrum.
But both might have to watch their backs for Adam Thomson, who is the leading candidate for the blindside but has also started a test for the All Blacks on the openside.
"It's interesting because me and Boysie have been going at it for the last couple of years," Soakai said.
"Then you've got Thommo, who will keep us honest. But I'm guessing he'll be our six because he's the only specialist.
"I just want to do my job well and put my best foot forward a place in the squad every week."
Soakai had surgery on his right shoulder in July following an injury sustained playing against the Blues in the Super 14.
He is still on non-contact training but took part in an "amazing race" event yesterday as the Highlanders did a spin class, a physical training activity with the Fire Service, and laps at the St Clair salt water pool.
Soakai is preparing for only his third season with the Highlanders but his experience has been recognised by his elevation into the team's leadership group.
"There are a few of us older guys now who really want to show some leadership," he said.
"It's great. You want to make sure the new young guys are handling things OK and you want to set some examples and guidelines."
It can be hoped the Highlanders will improve on their 11th placing this year - especially as they managed to retain more players than usual. Soakai is certainly confident.
"I was stoked to see the guys we were able to retain. And we've also picked up some new guys who have been playing well.
"We're a slightly different team and I believe it's a team that can get some good results."
One consolation of his injury break was avoiding the meltdown of the Otago team in the Air New Zealand Cup.
Soakai didn't enjoy watching Otago during its worst season in decades.
"It was hard. It was very tough to watch. It just wasn't a season you would wish for and that reflects on all of the players in Otago.
"But it's not all bad. We've got young guys coming through and hopefully we can get them going next year."
The Highlanders complete their pre-Christmas training camp tomorrow and assemble again on January 5.
