Joe’s feeling the Lov
HULL STAR: FELLOW ISLANDERS MAKE PLACE LIKE HOME
Hull FC v Warrington Wolves Tomorrow, kick-off 5.30pm
BY JULIE STOTT
JOE LOVODUA flew into Super League under the radar but has well and truly blown his cover.
Little was known about Hull’s new Fiji star when he arrived in the offseason after five years of Australian reserve grade rugby.
But his stunning pace, deception around the ruck and eye-catching tries and assists have put him firmly in the spotlight.
The 24-year-old, who can play back row, in the halves, centres and his preferred hooking role, says he always believed he could succeed.
But he admits it is the strong Fiji and Pacific Island contingent at Hull that has helped him hit the ground running.
He said: “It’s been like home from home because of the Islanders we’ve got here.
“It wasn’t a hard decision to make – they’ve all been very welcoming.”
Three other first-teamers have Fijian heritage – Kane Evans, Chris Satae (below) and Mitieli Vulikijapani while there are two Fijians in the academy, one in the wheelchair team and one director.
Lovodua said: “I’ve played with Kane for Fiji and we know each other’s games inside out. I’ve played against Chris in the past and I used to think, ‘Oh my God’, when he was running at me. I’m glad we’re team-mates now.
“I didn’t know Mitieli before but we’ve become really close and him and his partner Molly have been a massive help to me and my fiancee Jacinta.” Life is good for Lovodua but it was not always the case as he tried without success to get a chance in the NRL.
He played reserve grade for St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney Rabbitohs, and at one stage had to work on a building site to makes ends meet.
He said: “It was hard but it puts everything into perspective.
“Everyone goes through tough times at some points but it was a stepping stone. “Sometimes you don’t know how things are going to go but it’s important to have that attitude of never giving up.
“The biggest thing for me was keeping the faith to hang in there.
“Going through that makes me appreciate the opportunity I have now with Hull. I just wanted to make my mark and I’ve been doing that. I’m really enjoying my footy and I believe we can do something with this team.”
Hull, who play Warrington tomorrow, have had a mixed run of results this season but the dynamic ball-playing skills of Lovodua have been a highlight.
He said: “I love the off-the-cuff stuff, just trying to make something out of nothing. But it’s not just fancy plays that get us over the line – I enjoy doing the little things right too.”
Lovodua and his Fijian team-mates hope to play in this year’s World Cup and back up their stunning run to the semi-finals in 2017.
He added: “What we achieved then was massive for our country.
“It’s inspired all the younger players coming through.”