Titans pocket battleship inspired by Panthers ace
Joel Gould |
Gold Coast winger Sialetili Faeamani is built like his idol Brian To’o and now he just wants to play like him as he prepares to make his NRL debut in round one.
The 21-year-old, currently on a Titans development contract after a year in the Penrith system, has come from the clouds to shine during pre-season and in the trials.
Built like a pocket battleship at 175cm and 94kg, Faeamani played centre in Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup at the Panthers last year and was a sponge any time he got to train with legend To’o.
To’o is a metre-eater and uses his strength and will to power over and through defenders, a methodology Faeamani has showcased in two trials for the Titans.
“Brian has been an inspiration for me,” Faeamani told AAP.
“We are probably built the same … not that tall but our heart is big and that is all that matters. It is about how we run the ball.
“I am trying to take a lot of what he does in his game and put it into mine.”
To’o took a keen interest in Faeamani’s development at the Panthers and it meant the world to the youngster.
“When I trained with the main squad a few times he would come up to me and tell me to keep doing what I am doing and just to be confident with what I do,” Faeamani said.
“For someone of his calibre to reach out to me it really meant a lot.
“He is not the loudest guy but his actions do a lot of talking on the field. That is what caught my eyes.”
“To get the time and space with him has really helped my confidence.”
One thing Faeamani won’t be taking out of the To’o playbook is his penchant for consuming up to six cans of Coke Zero for breakfast on game day.
“I don’t drink too much Coke. I try to stay away from that,” Faeamani grinned.
“I’d feel it on the field but you see the way he plays … it doesn’t affect him in any way.”
The Auckland-born Faeamani was outstanding in the 42-12 win over Melbourne on Saturday night where he made 132m, five tackle busts and scored a try.
His dream of making his NRL debut against Cronulla in round one is set to be realised.
“It would mean the world to me and my family to achieve that in round one,” he said.
“It is a big transition but it has been really good here at the Titans. I am loving being on the wing and being involved in the game. Just getting heaps of touches is what I like.”
Faeamani is a proud Tongan and has another goal of making their squad for the World Cup at the end of the year.
“Both my parents are full Tongans and I’ve got family members who have been in the Tongan team like my first cousin Manu Ma’u who was with the Parramatta Eels,” Faeamani said.
“I’d love to be in the Tonga camp and hopefully sooner rather than later.”
AAP