Alla fairytale
difficult, I can say that now. I played in New Zealand in the amateur league, but this was the real deal for me.’’
‘‘It’s just so much faster. You pretty much have one or two touches, and if you take more than that, you’re going to lose the ball.
‘‘Players are more physical here, and stronger. High intensity too – trainings match that too.’’
Adjustments on and off the field over the last 18 months have been tough, but Tuiloma, who lives in a flat 10 minutes walk from Marseille’s home ground Stade Velodrome, has slowly adapted.
As far as his downtime goes, Tuiloma is your typical Kiwi teenager a long way from home.
He talks about the NBA (his favourite team is the red-hot Golden State Warriors), misses playing touch rugby with his mates back in Auckland and yearns to chow down on a greasy steak and cheese pie.
He thinks about his family a lot and the sacrifices his father and mother, Koko and Lina, made to give him opportunities as a young football player.
His father works at a rubber factory on the North Shore, while his mumis a cleaning supervisor.
Family savings went into Tuiloma’s early football career – from academies in Christchurch, to youth team tours.
Tuiloma says he has never forgotten what they did for him to get him where he is now.
‘‘My parents have worked really hard, and sacrificed a lot for me – and to get me here,’’ he says.
His parents, via a Facebook message, knew about his debut as a sub two weeks ago.
‘‘I don’t come from a family that has a lot of money, but I thank God for my parents giving me food and shelter,’’ he adds.
‘‘Now I can give back to them. I’ve very blessed to have them.’’
Support, outside his mumand dad, is huge – with family spread through Australia and the United States.
Tuiloma admits there is also an extra pride doing what he does, given his Polynesian heritage.
‘‘To be able to play for one of the biggest clubs in the French league – it’s a massive achievement for me; as a Kiwi, and as an Islander,’’ he says.
‘‘I represent all the Island nations.
‘‘I want to show and encourage the young players to strife for their dreams.
‘‘I get random [Facebook] messages from players from Tahiti and New Caledonia asking me ‘how do I do this? You’re a big influence for me.’
‘‘I try and help them, by encouraging them to never give up. It’s crazy to see those messages, but I’m truly grateful that young players message me and ask for help.’’
HIS eight minutes on the park in Rennes and 15 against Stade de Reims two weeks ago are a big step forward for his career, Tuiloma knows the hard work has only really just begin.
The teenager will be off-contract with Marseille in July, but has been told that the club will let him know by April if they will extend his current deal with them.
His preference is to stay in the South of France and continue his footballing education there, but he knows professional football is professional football.
The next two months will be crucial.
‘‘I just have to work hard,’’ Tuiloma says. ‘‘The coach gave me a chance, and I took it.
‘‘Now I just have to continue on the training ground, as well. I have to train hard, and hopefully the coach gives me another chance, and another. That’s all I can do.’’