Playing against NSW Country, even then, it was apparent he was destined for bigger things.

Lomu ran in five tries in the 76-3 drubbing of the side that featured a number of Port Macquarie players.

Just a year later the hulking winger steam rolled England international Mike Catt for one of four tries in the 1995 Rugby World Cup semi final.

Michael Huxley was one of the locals that played against the legendary All Black in the Port Macquarie fixture.

Huxley played at inside centre and said he was a turn style in defence against the likes of Lomu.

“I think he scored five tries that day and pretty sure plenty of them were through me,” he said.

“He was the hardest bloke I have ever tried to tackle.

“He continued to regularly run outside the 5/8 and straight at me.

“That is was one of my biggest defeats I was involved in.

“He is by far the biggest name in rugby I have ever played against.” 

Damien Lewis also had a stint on the field during the game.

He came off the bench for the NSW side an said he mostly recalls standing under the goal posts waiting for the kick at goal after each NZ try.

“I just remember how tough they were,” he said.

“That side had something like three or four All Black captains in it.”

Lewis said he came up against Lomu on the field and joked he only gave the giant practice for running over the top of players.

“I tried to tackle him, that’s about as far as I got,” he said.

“He could do anything, just the size and speed of the guy.

“He could just run around you to score, but he usually opted for the shorter route of over the top of you.”