MOSES MUSCLES UP FOR MANLY
HE was the unwanted centre who arrived at Manly on a pay packet of just $142 a day.
Having been sacked by Wests Tigers and Canterbury, Moses Suli was told last year he had to prove himself in a four-week training trial at the club’s Narrabeen headquarters.
He was offered a training deal worth just $1000 a week, but this wasn’t about money, it was a last-ditch attempt to save a career.
Suli, still just 21, trained hard, won a contract, and has now earned a three-year deal worth more than $1 million.
Weighing 112kg and standing 189cm, Suli has become one of Manly’s most potent weapons on their right edge.
And he will again be called on to muscle up out wide in Manly’s elimination final against South Sydney at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night.
“When I first came here, I pretty much had a month of training trials – I was just training and doing fitness every day of the week,” Suli said.
“I have worked really hard to be where I’m at today and I guess it’s paying off now. I’m grateful. I want to take this chance with both hands and do what’s best for the team.
“I’m happy I’m here and where I’m at and I’ve loved every second of it.”
Thriving under coach Des Hasler, Suli scored a try and was menacing in last weekend’s shock finals win over Cronulla.
He is running for an average of 111 metres a game and has made 11 linebreaks this season.
“I have been going all right. I have been doing the best I can for the team but I’ve still got room for improvement,” Suli said.
“Everyone has doubted us but we just turn up every week and do our job. It has paid off but we still have more in us and hopefully we make it all the way.”