Calvin Harris-Tavita: Eyes on the future, rooted in the present

With an older brother in the One NZ Warriors and a sister studying at a prestigious United States university, it is easy to see how the pressure to perform could weigh heavily within the family.

However, 16-year-old rising star Calvin Harris-Tavita says that pressure is a privilege and he hopes to draw inspiration from his family to set his own standard.

The Kings College student remains impressively level-headed as he balances his academics, dual codes, and his future.

“There’s obviously pressure with my brother being in the NRL, but I don’t really mind it,” Harris-Tavita says. “I’ll try to make a name for myself as well.”

After signing with NRL side Brisbane Broncos recently, Harris-Tavita shares with Pacific Huddle his desire to play league is influenced by a patriarchal upbringing.

“There have been big emotions, especially with all the league background in my family,” Harris-Tavita says. “My dad played when he was there, my papa, and also my brother who plays for the Warriors.

Calvin Harris-Tavita with his parents and three siblings. Photo/Supplied

“It was a big motivation to get me into the league, and when I got in there, it was pretty exciting,” he says.

Currently playing fullback for Auckland's King's College First XV, Harris-Tavita explains the transition between union and league poses no issues for him, thanks to a strong support network behind the scenes.

Yet, while his older brother, Chanel Harris-Tavita , continues to excel on the field for the Wahs, Calvin shares that he is unfazed by the pressure, and his brother serves as a source of inspiration.

“It’s actually so good having him because he can teach me things that he’s done before that helps him and things that haven’t. He’s been a huge motivation for me,” Harris-Tavita says.

According to those who’ve seen both play, Calvin might just be ahead of where Chanel was at his age. Yet still, Calvin is the first to admire his big brother's work ethic.

While older sister J’adore Harris-Tavita is studying a Bachelor of Arts at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, you could argue the Harris-Tavita bloodline embodies the definition of brains and brawn.

Harris-Tavita hopes he is not just known as Chanel or J’adore’s little brother.

While a student is only as good as their teacher, mum oversees their academics, and dad focuses on the sporting one-percenters. It is clear Harris-Tavita has a strong support system keeping him grounded, even as he's being hailed as the "next Benji Marshall”.

While clinching victory for his school against St Kentigern in a top-of-the-table clash last weekend, it is exciting yet scary to think this is only the beginning of his journey.

With a bright future ahead and an incredibly tight-knit family to lean on, it is no surprise that Harris-Tavita’s outlook on his future is one steeped in maturity.

“I don’t want to rush into the league thing so fast,” he says. “I want to finish with my school, making sure that I’m on top of all my work. There is more to life than just footy, you have to think about what you’re going to do after.”

As he juggles dual codes and big expectations, it is clear he is not just chasing the spotlight - he is building a legacy.

If the early signs are anything to go by, the name Calvin Harris-Tavita seems to be one standing tall, on its own.