HE may not have the easiest name in the world to remember or spell, but it is safe to say Samoan centre Faapulou Soolefai will never be forgotten at Southend Rugby Club.

The 31-year-old has scored more than 40 tries since signing for the Seasiders at the start of last season, helping Kevin Harman's side surge into National League Two for the first time in their history.

Soolefai is now hoping his fine form at Warners Bridge brings him to the attention of his home country's national selectors.

And, having scored 18 tries in 45 appearances for his country earlier on in his career, he is now dreaming of playing in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

"I want to play for Samoa again and the next World Cup is a real dream and target of mine," said Soolefai.

"Watching the World Cup just gone by was frustrating and really made me want to get back involved with my country. I think it's a realistic aim too."

Soolefai, who is nicknamed Hats due to his large headwear collection, last played for Samoa back in 2005.

Before then, the powerful Pacific Islander took on many of the game's top nations - including New Zealand, Wales, Scotland and Ireland - while on international duty.

He also appeared at under-16, 19, 21 and A' level for his country, but surprisingly it was another sport at which Soolefai first shined.

"Volleyball was what I played first, but I got into rugby when aged about 15 and it all went from there," recalled Soolefai.

"I played in Samoa and then New Zealand before coming over to England."

Soolefai first joined Bridgwater and Albion before leaving the West Country club and opting to sign for Southend in the summer of 2006.

"Having playing against them (Southend), I knew they had really good forwards and a great coach," said Soolefai.

"That's why I wanted to come here and I'm glad I did because I'm really enjoying it."

Soolefai touched down more than 30 times in his first season to set a new club record as the Seasiders finished top of the National League Three South table.

That saw Southend reach National League Two for the first time ever and Soolefai has continued to impress at the new level and is again the team's top try scorer with nine efforts to his name.

The Westcliff-based centre, who has settled well in the area because it reminds him of his homeland, is now bidding for more of the same to help the Seasiders grab more success.

That starts this Saturday at home to Halifax as Harman's troops seek their first triumph of 2008.

Soolefai is confident that can happen and his 10-year-old son Neihana Walters also seems set to follow in his footsteps.

The youngster, who is currently visiting from New Zealand, also plays at centre and impressed playing for Southend's Under-10 side against South Woodham Ferrers at the weekend, running home three fine tries.

"I enjoy playing rugby as well and it would be great to keep on playing it," he said.