Winger Alofa Alofa may be one of the smallest Wand youngest players contending for Manu Samoa selection, but he is giving it all he has.
“I’m not afraid of how big you are or how small you are. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Just to be here in Samoa as one of the chosen few, is special for Alofa. For him, it is a chance to learn from some of his role models such as David Lemi, Alesana Tuilagi and the more senior players who have come through the ranks.
An added advantage is the chance to learn from Assistant Coach Namulauulu Alama Ieremia.
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“He’s done a lot for rugby and I’m learning on the way and it’s good to add to my game. So it’s pretty exciting.”
Alofa is humbled and excited to be part of the Manu Samoa campaign.
Despite being born in New Zealand and spending most of his life in Australia, it means a lot to him to represent Samoa. This is where his parents grew up and for him, this is home.
“Hopefully if things work out well, I’ll be chosen to be play but if not, I know the boys will give 100 percent for our country, so either way, I’m here for the team.”
Alofa started playing professionally two years ago. Last year, as part of the Waratahs team, they won the Super 15 Grand Final and he got a contract in France. Last November, he debuted with the Manu team against Canada.
“I’m just happy that I’m in the Manu Samoa family now. They’re a good bunch of boys, good management. I’m just excited to see what the future holds for me.”
Despite the chance to play in Australia, representing Samoa has always been one of Alofa’s dreams.
“I [have] always loved this country and wanted to represent it to the fullest.”
The youngest of four children, Alofa is the son of the Minister of the Assembly of God Church in Centerbury, Keisala Tusi. Prior to coming to Samoa, his father had told him, ‘when you get there eat more kalo and try and put some more beef on’.
“I’m like come on Dad, if I put more beef on I’m not going to run any faster.”
Alofa speaks very little Samoan but he tries.
“And when I try to speak it, the boys they just… (laughs). I get by. It’s not too difficult. I can probably understand it more than I can speak it.”
Playing the All Blacks for the Manu Samoa is the first stepping stone this year and there are others. But to be here on day one at the Manu Samoa camp and trying to make the Rugby World Cup team is a big moment for Alofa.
“Whether I make it or not, God willing, I just want to give it all I’ve got so hopefully that will work out.”
Long term, Alofa’s wants to be a legacy. He wants to set up his family for life.
“I don’t want to be a guy who just played rugby for Samoa. I want to leave a legacy, like Alesana Tulagi and others who have come up through the ranks and made their mark in rugby.
“Where ever you go in the world they know who he is. I want to do that. Hopefully I can learn from him and see how things go.”
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