Malakai Fekitoa – most promising player in Super Rugby. Born on a small island in Tonga he couldn’t walk for a year after seriously dislocating his hip in a childhood accident and limped when he eventually could. It took him years to convince his mum to let him play footie. When visiting friends in New Zealand he found the courage to ask for a trial at Jonah Lomu’s old school, Wesley College in South Auckland, despite not knowing a word of English. So I went to ask Wesley for a scholarship, they gave me five minutes to play and I played the whole game. They gave me that chance to stay so I was happy. Being one of 15 children he missed his family but he battled through tough times and took his chances. After shining in Sevens rugby he was chosen for the 2012 Auckland ITM Cup team and he earned a Super Rugby contract with the Blues in 2013. After being cut by them because they thought he wasn’t ready, he transferred to the Highlanders in 2014 The big centre has added a killer’s menace to the Clan’s midfield with his challenging lines, ability to swerve at speed and devastating side step. Now he is on track to be the NZ Super Rugby Rookie of the Year. And he is not just a dangerous ball-runner—just ask Conrad Smith of the Hurricanes.
Posted on: Tue, 27 May 2014 02:13:49 +0000
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