Wong for all: Roosters rookie eyes multi-nation legacy

George Clarke | September 14, 2023

Sydney Roosters rookie Siua Wong has declared he would love to win caps for every nation he qualifies for as the in-demand back-rower’s diverse background – and electric club form – makes him a target for the end-of-year Tests.

Wong has been a revelation for the Roosters this season and has been named to start in Friday’s elimination final against the Melbourne Storm.

Born in Auckland, Wong’s parents, father Akuila and mother Sekola, spent time in the New Zealand military and served in places as varied as East Timor, Afghanistan, Israel and Egypt.

Wong’s father has Chinese-Fijian and Tongan backgrounds and his mother is of Tongan-Samoan descent.

It has made the 20-year-old, who will no doubt be a target for the Kiwis too, want to win caps for every nation.

“It’s been one of my goals, I’ve thought about loyalty and sticking to one nation but I’m all four of those cultures,” Wong, who played for Fiji at last year’s World Cup, told AAP.

“At the end of the day it’s about representing my family, I am all of those cultures.

“For me to represent wouldn’t be just for me, it would also be about giving back for my family.

“It’s a big mix and it’s hard to pick one because I feel that they are all a part of who I am.”

If John Ribot’s dream of league making it big in China ever comes to fruition then Wong could well win a cap there too.

“If they ever get a team over there I’d step up,” Wong chuckled.

Wong has certainly done that for the Roosters this season, going onto make nine appearances after being given his NRL debut in round 18.

Plucked out of fabled rugby union school Mt Albert Grammar in Auckland, Wong says playing against seasoned professionals has been one of the toughest challenges he has faced.

“It’s been a big step up from playing against guys my age and then playing against men and men who’ve been in the game for many years,” Wong said.

“The preparation from Robbo (Trent Robinson) has been massive for me, as has the support of Jared (Waerea-Hargreaves).

“Jared has lived and breathed Roosters DNA and I want to learn so much from him because he’s what the club is and I want to try to be the future and express that as well.”