Ready to risk it all for his club

THERE have been moments where Moses Meninga has contemplated whether a move to Townsville was the right call.

With his whole family over in Papua New Guinea, and the coronavirus pandemic keeping him planted in North Queensland, not even rugby league was around to keep him motivated.

But alas, the Kumuls star found a driving force off the field, and the way in which the Blackhawks rallied around him, has him determined to remain and deliver the club its first premiership in 2021.

“It’s a question I keep asking myself, and everyone else is too, when do we get over this COVID?” Meninga said.

“Looking back, I’ve come a long way through the COVID (period) and I’m prepared to wait to go back – whether it takes two or three years, I’m prepared to take that risk.

“I’ve played for a long time, playing rugby is part of my daily life, so having not been able to play is like something in your life that is missing.

“They (the Blackhawks) promised they would look after me, and they looked after me very well and I’m completely thankful for that.

“I say to myself sometimes I owe this club, I owe them for as long as I can play footy. They looked after me in bad times with my family overseas.”

Given Meninga moved from his home nation purely to develop as a footballer, being deprived of that opportunity has been tough to stomach.

It’s tough not only for his only personal endeavours, but for the fact the Blackhawks side looked every chance of claiming a historic Intrust Super Cup title.

It was frustrating – “the 2020 season was ours” – but it has lit a fire in the lock forward to remain at the club until that elusive silverware is lifted.

While the team has supported Meninga through a unique situation, an off-field passion has kept him grounded and provided another channel to put his energy into.

The Blackhawks found the former teacher work in their Sky is the Limit program, one which assists children in schools and encourages them to come out of their shells.

Being an educator and mentor is as much a part of Meninga as football is, and having that outlet has kept him determined to stick with the Blackhawks for the long haul.

“They never get involved too much or do too much talking, some may be naughty – smart, but they don’t know it yet,” Meninga said.

“Some kids, they don’t open up or talk as much, but when they go through this program they start opening themselves up. The teachers have told us there’s a lot of improvement.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of this program and making a positive impact on the kids’ lives.”