Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FON WANTS FUN THIS TIME
LATE tries from Matty Russell and Andre Savelio spared Warrington’s blushes against part-time Halifax.
The Championship visitors were 50/1 to win – but trailed just 10-8 until late on.
Winger Russell squeezed in at the corner and Savelio barged over to chalk-up a third Warrington Wolves at Wembley.
But the 24-year-old missed out the dressingroom joy and ended up on his own for almost an hour after the game.
Fonua explained: “I got selected for a random drugs test and missed all the celebrations inside.
“It would have taken me a good 40 minutes to get straight Qualifiers win for the Wolves. Tony Smith’s side led through Peta Hiku, but Chester Butler made it 4-4 at the break.
Chris Hill’s early second-half try was expected to open the floodgates – but instead Butler crossed again before the Wolves’ late rally. Fax coach Richard Marshall said: “For us to pit ourselves against worldclass players makes me proud.” that all sorted out, and I went into the team showers by myself – everybody else had gone.
“I had to play a bit of catch-up, but I was just happy to see my wife Christine and give her a big hug. It was a big moment in my footy career and it was great to have my wife there with me.”
Fonua, who joins NRL side Wests Tigers at the end of the season, says Hull must be wary of opponents Wigan, despite the
Warriors’ inconsistent form.
He added: “They’re the defending Super League champions and have very good players – Sam Tomkins at the back and Sean O’Loughlin leading them from the front. They are a dangerous side.”