Tabuai’s rise from Saibai Island to SCG
THE centre of the Sydney Cricket Ground on one of the most important days of the year is about as far from Saibai Island you can get.
But stepping on to one of the most revered fields in world sport and wearing the green and gold is a moment that will forever live with David Tabuai.
It’s proof that you can make it.
“If things didn’t work out the way they did, there’s every chance I’d be in the paper for the wrong reasons,” Tabuai said.
A bombardier in the Australian Army, Tabuai scored a try, had a hand in another, and played a key role in the Australian Defence Force’s win against Turkey in the
Gallipoli Cup match on Anzac Day.
The annual clash, played as a curtain raiser to the traditional NRL match between the Roosters and Dragons, is the premier fixture on the ADF Rugby League calendar, which also includes end-ofyear tours.
It was the first time Tabuai, who counts Cowboys and Maroons sensation Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow among his nephews, had started for ADF at fullback, and he has all but made the jersey his own.
“It’s unreal,” Tabuai said. “The whole occasion, there’s so much more to it than the footy. There’s such a rich history shared by the countries.
“It’s special. Then to be able to share that with footy is a bonus. To get the win was even better. But I’m always
grateful for the opportunity to play for the ADF.”
Tabuai grew up on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait, but moved to Cairns at a young age with his mother.
With mum as the sole provider for the family, Tabuai only managed a few games for Cairns Brothers here or there during his teenage years, and didn’t play a full season until he turned 18, when he could help support the venture.
“We came to Cairns for school, so we could get an education, and employment opportunities were a bit easier for mum,” he said.
“That was the best plan of attack. It was difficult in the start but we found our feet over time.
“I had a few starts here and there, but we could never
commit to a whole season. It was too much to fork out.
“Am I disappointed about that? No.
“I was 18 when I got to play a full season, and that’s when I had a bit of coin to allow myself to play. We had family at that club so I stuck with them.”
In 2016, Tabuai joined the Australian Army, which has opened the door to many opportunities he wouldn’t have had if not for that upbringing and the love of his family.
Now based at Darwin, Tabuai is immensely proud of what he’s been able to accomplish in the Army as well as on the footy field.
He played for Nightcliff Dragons and earned selection for the NT Titans and Combined Affiliate States, and has represented Army Thunder and the ADF on numerous occasions.
ADF coach Shane Bullock said Tabuai was given the opportunity to start at the back when the team’s previous fullbacks were not available, but the artilleryman could very well hold on to the jersey.
“I’ve been coach for the past two years and was assistant coach for a few years before then, so I’ve had a bit to do with him,” Bullock said.
“He’s been involved, but we had him on the wing as we had some settled fullbacks.
“He has been one of my standouts and the team player you want as part of an outstanding group of players.
“We had the chance to give him an opportunity at fullback and I have told him that’s his position now.”