Rodda rises up for dad
IZACK Rodda’s fortitude to play for the Reds the day after his father’s death showed how deeply he cared for his family, his mates and his team.
Every player could see a formative leader playing through such hurt in February, even though it would be three months until it became official this week with the captaincy.
A late 36-31 loss in Dunedin that night was no salve and Rodda has returned to New Zealand for tonight’s clash against the Chiefs seeking a different result in Hamilton.
Rodda yesterday gave his first insight into that difficult personal period and his hope that teammates feel the same support he did when going through tough times.
His urge was always to play against the Highlanders on February 22 because he knew how his late father John would have felt.
“It was definitely tough circumstances doing that but, for me, it just felt like the right thing to do,” he said.
“My dad always supported me through sport and always wanted me to play so I thought it was a good thing for his memory.
“I hope the boys can take something from such tough times that players here will always be there for you and support you.”
Packmate Lukhan Salakaia-Loto lost his own father suddenly in the week of the Wallabies’ Test on the Gold Coast last September when he too decided to play.
He later changed his name from Lukhan Tui to honour his late father (Salakaia) and his birth father, with an abbreviation (Loto).
The pair will both have “DAD” inked on their wrist strapping tape when they run out against a Chiefs side bolstered by the return of All Blacks flanker Sam Cane from a broken neck.
“We are pretty close through that and both wear it as a reminder of what we’ve lost and who we play for which is family,” Rodda said.
Coach Brad Thorn was in his teens when he lost his own father and his empathy has been significant for the player he appointed captain.
Rodda has come a long way in three seasons with 38 Super Rugby games and 17 Tests on the rollercoaster of Reds and Wallabies rugby.
“It’s a huge honour to captain Queensland and it’s sort of been one of my dreams since coming up to Ipswich (from Evans Head in northern NSW),” he said. “Queensland gave me my chance in rugby. I wasn’t really making it in NSW (and) Ipswich Grammar took a chance.”