Field of dreams
What if you had the opportunity to go back and live out the dream you never quite managed to fulfil the first time around? That’s the premise of a new show on Three this week.
The series – comprising five-minute episodes – follows five rugby hopefuls who have a second chance at realising their ambitions on the field.
Three experts, including actor and former rugby player Joe Naufahu, are there to help them reach their goals in Second Chance Charlie.
Naufahu, who runs personal training business Ludus Magnus, says his role is, “A little bit more as a mentor. I do the 3D fitness assessments and 3D body scans for them.
“And I just gave them a couple of pointers on things that could maybe help them throughout the eight-week training programme.”
The winner will receive $10,000 and take part in an intensive 12-week training programme with their regional Super Rugby team. The public will also have their say with a $5000 prize for the People’s Choice. Among the contestants is a navy officer, a firefighter and a solo father. For Naufahu, working on the show is especially poignant. Best known for his role as Khal Moro in Game Of Thrones, Naufahu played professionally in the UK before a knee injury ended his sports career. “I guess I can relate to them and share experiences with them and kind of hold a little bit more empathy for their journey,” he says. So what are the real chances of these ‘Charlies’ actually making it on to their regional team? “They’ve got two arms, two legs, it’s all ahead of them. They’ve got every chance in the world if they really want it,” says Naufahu. “I might cry if I see one of them run out on the pitch for the provincial team ... it will be pretty special.” Story: Melenie Parkes
Would-be rugby stars have another shot at fame in the new series Second Chance Charlie.