Felise follows in footsteps of bro

FELISE Kaufusi fought back tears yesterday as he spoke about his family’s reaction to their entering select company in Queensland league history with a second son to be picked for the Maroons.

Kaufusi’s elder brother Antonio, played one match for Queensland in 2007 in which he unfortunately injured a knee seriously, eventually retiring from the NRL in 2015.

The 26-year-old Felise’s selection to make his debut as an edge forward next week sees the Kaufusis join a list of league families to have provided two or more brothers to the Queensland team. These include the Walters (Steve, Kevin and Kerrod), the Smiths (Darren and Jason) and the Morrises (Des and Rod).

“My parents were a bit more excited than me to honest – I told them (of the selection– and they are pretty proud of me … sorry,’’ said Kaufusi, trying to hold back tears. “It was emotional for Mum and Dad. I think I was the one who is meant to be more emotional.’’

Antonio Kaufusi, 33, is coaching the Waves first grade league team in Bundaberg and working as a school officer at Felise’s former high school.