The big hits keep coming for Fotu-Moala
Former Kangaroos captain Darren Lockyer calls her the jukebox of rugby league because ‘‘the hits keep on coming’’.
Turning 24 last week, Kiwi Ferns forward Teuila Fotu-Moala is playing at her first World Cup and the hard-hitting second-rower knows exactly what her job will be against the world champion Jillaroos in the final in Brisbane tonight.
‘‘I definitely love contact, it’s one of my favourite things about the game, but there are plenty of ladies that love to hit hard, from grassroots level upwards. I’m just fortunate enough to have it displayed on the TV for many people to watch.
‘‘My strengths would be going into contact both with and without the ball. My weakness would perhaps be that I’m a forward that can’t quite outrun a winger.’’
The second-rower has stood out so much she beat team-mate and tournament top-try scorer Honey Hireme to the spoils for player of the tournament.
But Fotu-Moala keeps a level head and only wants to make her family proud tonight at a packedout Brisbane Stadium.
‘‘My family actually already wants to invite my whole team over for a roast to have a big Tongan feast regardless of the result. So if we bring home that cup, celebrations will definitely involve all the family and friends that have been a big part of this journey.’’
Her Tongan background makes her the perfect fit for the game and incredibly difficult to tackle. She played her first game of league 10 years ago at secondary school and then went on to play for local club Otahuhu in Auckland when she was 20.
The former McAuley High School student said the aim is to win the final, of course, but it has been an incredible journey..
‘‘Being able to make life-long friendships and meet amazing people along the way. The World Cup has been awesome, being able to compete against the world’s best, challenge myself and meet others just as passionate as I am that live around the world.
‘‘Lifting the World Cup at the end of the 80 minutes and making my family back at home proud. We all play for our families, friends and communities who have supported us through the many sacrifices we have had to make to get to where we are today.’’
Fotu-Moala, aka Jukebox, likes her nickname because it come from one of her favourite league players, but prefers her common Uila – a name her friends and family call her.
Outside the Kiwi Ferns environment Fotu-Moala, is still involved in coaching at Counties Manukau.
She admits if they become world champions it will be hard settling back into everyday life, mainly because she will miss hanging with her mates day in and day out.
‘‘I won’t be wanting to go back to reality and I have no doubt I’ll miss being in camp with the team. We’ve become a tight-knit unit who support each other through the good and the bad times so that will be the hardest part of life after the final.’’
Captain Laura Mariu will hang up her boots after playing in her fifth World Cup final tonight, before retiring from international rugby league. Mariu is hopeful she can bring her 17-year Kiwi Ferns career to a close by lifting the cup one more time. ‘‘To say it will be a special moment is an understatement. Our team is ready to get out there and put it all on the field.‘‘
"I definitely love contact, it's one of my favourite things about the game."
Teuila Fotu-Moala