He was a rising motocross star, he once scored 60 points in a first XV game, he played six seasons of NPC rugby for the two southern provinces and he helped Taieri through a great era for the club.
A year ago, Whaanga was working as a salesman for a tool company and starting to feel his dream of being a Super Rugby player would remain forever unfulfilled.
That all changed when he made a couple of appearances as an injury replacement for the Highlanders this year, and yesterday it was confirmed he had earned a contract with the club.
"It’s pretty awesome, eh," the beaming midfield back said.
"This time last year I was selling tools for Milwaukee, and I’d given up the rugby dream.
"I could have gone to America or something but I wanted to play for the Highlanders. So I stuck around and I’ve finally got an opportunity and I can’t wait."
He was a "massive fan" of Kaitangata’s favourite son, Tony Brown, and dreamed of the day he could wear a Highlanders jersey.
Perhaps he will have some family company in the squad before long, as younger brother Josh is in the Highlanders high-performance programme and just completed his rookie NPC campaign for Otago.
"It would be pretty awesome. We were lucky enough to play for Taieri together this season, which was pretty special for me and him and the family.
"It would be pretty epic to get out there for the Highlanders one day."
Matt Whaanga, one of four Southland Stags players named in the Highlanders, originally made his name in another sport.
He was a high-flying motocross rider until he gave the wheels away when he was about 12.
"I think Mum and Dad were quite happy I chose rugby in terms of the bank account."
While at South Otago High School, he made headlines when he scored 60 points - 10 tries and five conversions - in a game against James Hargest.
The Highlanders would welcome that sort of impact next year.
"Matt works really hard at his game. I like the fact he’s a bit older, and he’s had to really work to where he’s got, and he hasn’t given up," Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said.
