Kaufusi reveals trial day anguish
MAROONS forward Felise Kaufusi has revealed the rollercoaster of emotions he experienced after facing the judiciary for the first time with his Origin spot on the line.
One of the most experienced forwards in the Queensland pack, Kaufusi almost missed out on a chance to return to North Queensland for Origin’s debut in Townsville.
A former Cowboys player, Kaufusi knows the unbridled support the North Queensland faithful will produce and was determined to take his spot in the Maroons backrow.
But that was in jeopardy after he was charged over a tripping incident in Melbourne’s demolition of Brisbane in Round 12.
Kaufusi took his fight to the NRL tribunal – the first time in his 142-game career – where he was found not guilty.
“You are damn right it has been a rollercoaster week,” Kaufusi told the Townsville Bulletin. “I got the charge through on the Friday, and I had to sit on it until Tuesday.
“I was still enjoying myself in camp, but I knew in the back of my head I had to fight the charge. At the end of the day I couldn’t control anything, it was just there nagging at me.
“I had all the family worried for me and asking me if I would be all right. I just tried not to focus on it.
“It was the first time I have been to the trial. It was like I was in a movie. If you have ever watched the show Suits, I felt like I was a poor fella on the other side of the room getting hammered. I had great representation with Nick Ghabar, we got off the charge and I am leaving that behind.”
It has been a quick readjustment for Kaufusi, who was thrown into the deep end of training after escaping sanction as he prepares to go headto-head with Blues enforcer Tariq Sims.
The pair both have a deep connection to the North Queensland region having spent their formative years in the Cowboys system.
Kaufusi said it was an exciting opportunity to take the game’s showpiece event back to the North Queensland faithful, and was adamant they would be firmly in the Maroons corner.
“Bloody oath it is exciting to get back to Townsville,” he said. “For North Queensland itself, I haven’t played at the new stadium but I know what the fans are like up there. Hopefully the Blues feel the bloody pressure.
“They are passionate supporters, they are ride or die fans. They go with you when the going is tough and they are there to celebrate the successes. I am hoping they are with us for that too. It will be packed out and I have no doubt it will be a great atmosphere.”