‘Mini beast’ mentors next giant winger
Warriors wing Ken Maumalo knows how beneficial it can be for a young player to have an idol take you under his wing.
He might now be the NRL’s leading tryscorer, but there was a time the Kiwis international struggled to stay in first grade after debuting in 2015.
The emotional and physical grind of the NRL was tough for the young south Aucklander to deal with at times, though he found a mentor in club great Manu Vatuvei.
Under the watchful eye of ‘the beast’, Maumalo quickly found his NRL, Warriors v Roosters
Tomorrow 4pm, Sydney Cricket Ground
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c), Adam Pompey, Peta Hiku, Gerard Beale, Ken Maumalo, Chanel HarrisTavita, Blake Green, Agnatius Paasi, Jazz Tevaga, Leeson Ah Mau, Adam Blair, Isaiah Papali’i, Lachlan Burr. Interchange: Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Bunty Afoa, Ligi Sao, Kodi Nikorima, Blake Ayshford, Leivaha Pulu, Hayze Perham.
feet and has since gone on to become one of the club’s more consistent performers.
So when a fresh-faced Adam Pompey, 20, came into grade earlier this season he had a willing and ready mentor in Maumalo.
Pompey was called into the top side for the Warriors’ clash with Cronulla in July and, after a solid debut, was given his second cap on the right wing last weekend.
Coach Stephen Kearney has again opted for the 20-year-old for tomorrow’s must-win clash with the Roosters, and seeing his name on the team sheet still gets the heart racing, Pompey says.
‘‘It’s awesome to get this opportunity again. I was hopeful, but by no means was expecting to play NRL this year,’’ he said.
Pompey has a lot of time to think about his job during the one hour daily commute to Mt Smart from his home town of Taukau, a town once part of the Auckland region until 2010, when it officially became part of Waikato.
It’s Pompey’s small town charm and humble nature that resonates with his new team-mates, Maumalo said.
‘‘He’s just a quiet boy from Tuakau, but he’s a good guy and we saw that straight away,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s a really good player and similar to me and [David Fusitu’a] in a sense, he’s a big body on the outside and good under the high ball. He’s really quick too, I can’t wait for people to see him in open space.’’
Pompey is a product of Wesley College, and spent four years in the Sydney Roosters setup before returning home this season and linking with the Warriors.
Tomorrow he will line up against plenty of familiar faces, but there’s one in particular he’s looking forward to more than the rest.
‘‘My idol coming through was always Greg Inglis, but nowadays it’s probably Latrell Mitchell,’’ he said.
Mitchell has been named at his usual position of left centre for the tri-colours.
‘‘I have trained against him [Mitchell] and he was a beast there but I know it’s going to be a different animal on Sunday,’’ Pompey said.
‘‘I’m pretty excited for this weekend, obviously I just need to stay focused and listen to my senior players. I’m learning off the best back three in the game, and Ken is an amazing mentor to me.’’
What: When, where:
Warriors;