Raiders star pushing for Cup despite dodgy shoulder
Sebastian Tan |
Centre Simi Sasagi is so desperate to represent Samoa that he wants to delay a much-needed shoulder surgery to feature in the Rugby League World Cup.
Sasagi has made a compelling case to represent the Pacific nation in the tournament beginning in October as he’s displayed his electric playmaking skills, lethal try scoring and blistering runs for Canberra this NRL season.
But the centre has had his campaign partially derailed by a flurry of injuries, including a constant flare-up of his shoulder.
He missed the Raiders’ round-24 clash against Cronulla after coach Ricky Stuart said he shouldn’t be playing considering the discomfort he was in the week before.
The 25-year-old returned last Friday against Brisbane where he registered two try assists, despite virtually playing with one arm.
When asked whether he would delay the surgery to push for a World Cup spot, he said ‘yes’.
“That’s what I want to do. The World Cup is one of my goals,” Sasagi said.
“You want to play with the best of the best and there’s a lot of big names putting their hand up.
“I’m a proud Samoan boy, and that’s the team I’ve wanted to play for as a kid.”
Featuring for Samoa is even more attractive considering the star power they boast like prop Payne Haas, half Jarome Luai, fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and winger Brian To’o.
But despite the excitement surrounding the country and their strong hopes of winning the competition, Sasagi is remaining realistic things may not work out.
“I’ll see if I can push for Townsville (next round). I’ll try to push for the World Cup at the end of the year, but we’ll just go with the flow and see if my shoulder holds up,” the centre said.
“I don’t want to go push for a World Cup and play with one arm again. I want to represent Samoa to the best of my abilities.
“So if I have to, I’ll get surgery and put my best sporting foot forward for next year.”
Even if Sasagi’s shoulder ultimately fails, he’s still hoping to recruit teammate Josh Papali’i.
The veteran prop announced his retirement at the end of the season but left the door ajar to play for either Samoa or the Cook Islands in the competition.
“If I do play for Samoa, I’ll try and get him to play for Samoa,” Sasagi said before admitting he might have to lure the 34-year-old with treats from the Pacific nation.
“I think he said Cook Islands was an option, but he hasn’t … said anything.”
AAP