Ellison has added plenty to the Rebels backline. Source: Tony Gough / News Corp Australia
FITTINGLY, in a week in which the SCG precinct has become the 51st state of America, the Rebels will boast their own stars-and-stripes connection when they take on the Waratahs tonight at Allianz Stadium.
But adding a new twist, it's not an Australian connection.
Melbourne's Kiwi star Tamati Ellison – who will play centre against NSW – comes from a stellar sporting dynasty in New Zealand that not only includes numerous All Black links but cousins who took the Ellison name into the NFL as well.
Ellison's relative Riki Ellison was the first New Zealander and Maori to play in the NFL, forging a career in the mid-1980s in one of the all-time great sides.
As a tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, Ellison both protected and took passes from Hall Of Fame quarterback Joe Montana.
"He managed to go to the 49ers, played under Bill Walsh and played with some real superstars of the game. He won a couple of Super Bowls," Ellison explains.
"That was a while ago obviously, but we have games on VHS back home. I remember watching them at my grandfather's."
As young Kiwi kids obsessed with rugby, Ellison and his brothers would watch patiently before bolting back out to the yard for real footy.
Minnesota Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison is Tamati's cousin. Source: Supplied
"We didn't really understand the game, so we just looked for no.50. He didn't really seem to do much because compared to rugby it was just blocking and holding guys," Ellison said.
Appreciation grew with time, of course, and now Ellison is very proud his cousin Rhett Ellison – Riki's son – has followed in his father's footsteps.
"Rhett has done really well and now plays for the Minnesota Vikings. It will be his third year this year," Ellison says.
With bloodlines dating back to the first All Blacks, however, Ellison was always destined to be a rugby player.
The 30-year-old's great-great uncle Thomas Rangiwahia Ellison was the very first captain of the New Zealand rugby team in 1893; an honour that brought pride to the family but no expectation of success.
"We were always proud of it, but we were humble that we had that history," Ellison said.
"I was only ever playing the game for enjoyment but I guess as I got older and there was a chance I could play professionally, I worked really hard after high school and managed to make a go of it."
Given Ellison's maternal grandfather Vince Bevan was also an All Black (1947-50), the backyard swiftly turned into professional arenas for Ellison and his brother Jacob, who would also go on to play Super Rugby for the Hurricanes.
Ellison debuted for the Blues in 2005 and won a sevens gold medal in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. After returning to his hometown Wellington to play for the Hurricanes, he emulated his forebears by winning four All Black caps in 2009.
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Ellison shocked many by signing a three-year contract to play in Japan in 2010 – which blocked further Test selection – but he returned to play for the Highlanders in 2012 and 2013. Returning to Ricoh in Japan in 2014 and 2015 meant Ellison had to find an overseas club, however, due to NZRU regulations.
"Initially I was looking to head back to the Highlanders, but at the end of negotiations New Zealand Rugby weren't going to allow that option because I had to be back in Japan for the Top League in August," Ellison said.
"I didn't want to be running hills for six months. I wanted to play rugby, and 14 games a year up there wasn't enough for me. It just worked out there was a chance for me to come to Melbourne, and I have really enjoyed it."
Ellison has enjoyed the chance to play alongside Australians, and says he's looking forward to going head-to-head with the "powerful" Waratahs on Friday night.
It will be a short stay with the Rebels, however, with Ellison looking to return to New Zealand next year to win a World Cup spot.
"If you are a Kiwi playing the game and playing Super Rugby, you have to have that goal," Ellison said.
"It keeps you driving. If you have been there before and you don't have that goal your game will probably suffer and you'll start heading down the retirement path."
Or perhaps a late-career stint in the NFL? Family tradition and all that?
"Not me … maybe my son," Ellison laughs.
"The amount of screws and broken bones I have, I think I'd rather swing a golf club."
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