Tetevano completes redemption
Only when the Kiwis’ test series against Great Britain is finished will Zane Tetevano be able to reflect on the journey he’s been on.
The NRL is full of stories about players who’ve overcome bad experiences, been able to turn their lives around and earn redemption.
There are of course players who’ve kept making bad decisions, but thankfully the 28-year-old from Tokoroa is one of those who’s been able to come out the other end.
The Roosters front-rower will start for the Kiwis for the first time this weekend, against Great Britain in Auckland.
That’s a long way away from where he was in 2014 when he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment with a non-parole period of nine months for assaulting his then partner on five occasions.
At his trial the court was told Tetevano had a dysfunctional upbringing in New Zealand, including exposure to domestic violence and drug and alcohol abuse before he moved to Australia.
On appeal Tetevano’s sentence was reduced, with the judge being impressed with his rehabilitation, willingness to own up to his problems with alcohol and anger and said he was better served in the community than in jail.
Tetevano was committed to making the most of his second chance and has been a model citizen ever since.
However, he was sacked by the Knights when the incidents first came to light and had a contract with the Sea Eagles torn up when he pleaded guilty. He spent nearly three years out of the NRL before eventually being offered a lifeline at the Roosters.
He has been an integral part of the Roosters’ championship winning campaigns in 2018 and 2019 and made his debut for the Kiwis last weekend against the Kangaroos in Wollongong.
But the next big step for him comes this weekend, when he’ll get to start at prop.
‘‘I’ve had a lot of questions from my family, how am I feeling?’’ Tetevano said yesterday when asked by Stuff about the emotions of the journey he’s been on.
‘‘Inside, I know how I feel but after the test series is done I can probably sit down and I’ll probably start crying and have a few beers with it too.
‘‘It’s been a long journey, but it’s been a journey I’m happy about. There have been ups and downs and I know that I’ve worked really to be here, so I’m excited.’’
Tetevano has mainly been used by the Roosters as an impact player, coming off the interchange bench.
So he was overjoyed when told he’ll be starting against the Great Britain Lions at Eden Park on Saturday.
‘‘I was excited, happy but all I can think about is doing my job real well,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m keen to do the haka first up and then have that emotion go through.’’