Timaru teen’s date with NRL destiny
A talented Timaru schoolboy has been signed to the Newcastle Knights after only three games of rugby league.
Ofa Manuofetoa was spotted while playing for Canterbury at the national under 17 tournament in Rotorua, which was also his league debut.
Since then it has been a whirlwind for the 17-year-old with several Australian NRL clubs showing interest.
Manuofetoa suddenly had to find an agent, check the contract offers and try and quickly learn a little more about the 13-man game.
Code switching wasn’t on Manuofeta’s mind two months ago, when he was happy playing fullback for the Timaru Boys’ High School First XV in the Crusaders Schools Championship.
Manuofetoa is an impressive build for a back, he tips the scales at 104kg and stands 1.93m tall.
His mentor Nathan Robinson said his size, height and age that was the attraction for the Knights, plus the fact he was raw, with no bad habits.
Raw however is an understatement.
Manuofetoa admits he knows nothing about league, has no favourite NRL club or any affiliation to a State of Origin side.
He hasn’t even been to Australia before.
‘‘I’ve been studying a booklet with the basics which I am trying to get my head around.’’
Manuofetoa said he was a bit nervous but looking forward to the opportunity.
‘‘It’s pretty exciting but I have a lot to learn. I expect it will be tough but I will give it my best shot.’’
He will join the Knights under 18 team initially and then hopes to progress to the under 20 side.
Manuofetoa has signed on former Kiwis coach Frank Endacott as his manager and said in took some time to go through the 58 page contract. In Newcastle Manuofetoa will only need spending money with everything else provided by the Knights.
‘‘I am going to be a in a flat with a couple of other guys and a parent.’’
He will also start an electrical apprenticeship, in between training and playing.
Manuofetoa is only one of three players selected from outside the Newcastle area for the squad for the summer training camp.
The convert said he was working hard on his fitness, which was different to rugby.
"It’s back and forward all the time with no real rest.’’
Manuofetoa big break came when Timaru rugby league organiser Nathan Robinson spotted him at South Canterbury rugby sevens training in 2015 and saw he had plenty of skills.
Robinson is friends with the Canterbury Rugby League under 17 coach and fellow Cook Islander, Tai Arona.
‘‘I told him there was a giant winger with huge potential playing rugby. He is 6 foot 3 inches and built like a No.8.’’
Robinson arranged for Manuofetoa to head to Christchurch and Arona liked what he saw.
The 17-year-old survived two trials to make the Canterbury tournament team and since then he has been in hot demand.
Timaru Boys High School First XV coach Gavin Miller had been hoping to have Manuofetoa back at school in 2017 but was delighted for him.
‘‘It is a wonderful opportunity, so we all wish him all the best.
‘‘It would be great if he can make it all the way to the NRL.’’