Big Ben relishing his pre-season recall with Broncos

Although he may be an unmissable presence on the field, Ben Nakubuwai is the epitome of a player who lets his football do the talking.

Nakubuwai, who signed on with 2021 premiers Norths Devils at the start of last season, also works as a teacher’s aide, but many colleagues were unaware of his achievements in rugby league and got their first inkling of his sporting talents thanks to a staff email.

“I work as a teacher aide at Centenary State High School… they (now) know I play rugby league... I tried to hide it as long as I could and then once I started being on TV at Suncorp (Stadium), I couldn’t hide it anymore,” Nakubuwai said.

“One of the PE teachers – I rocked up to school and he sent out an email across the school, saying 'one of your teacher aides is on the TV if you guys want to watch'.”

However, this Saturday, Nakubuwai will be wanting to make a big impression when he runs out in a Brisbane Broncos jersey for their trial match against Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

This is the second year in a row he has had the chance to don their colours in the pre-season, but this time, his opportunity to take part in the game came as a bit of a surprise.

“To be honest, I wasn’t really expecting it. I had a trial with them last year, but I didn’t get to finish it, because I got injured,” Nakubuwai said.

“(This time) I was just training at Norths, no thought of going back because nothing happened (last year).

“I had been training really well and we did a Saturday session and Sunday morning I got a message from Ro (Devils coach Rohan Smith) going ‘how’s your body feeling?’ and I never get a message from Ro asking about my body is, so I was ‘that was kind of odd’.

“I messaged back ‘yeah, it feels good’ and I was thinking, ‘why is he messaging?’ and then he replied back ‘there’s an opportunity to come train for the week and play in the trial if you are keen’ and I was like ‘yeah, I’ll take it’... jump in with both hands and then, got the call from Kevie Sunday night and then rocked up to training with them on Monday morning.

“So, had to take the week off work.”

As a key cog in a dominant forward rotation for the Devils last year, who also claimed the minor premiership on their way to the title, the former Salford Devil said the team’s success came from having a clear and united vision, and also with everyone knowing their role.

“I think everyone was on the same page, everyone bought into the same vision that we had from the start of the year that we were going all the way, we had a good group of boys,” Nakubuwai said.

“We all connected well off the field, we got along well, there wasn’t really anyone that was outcasted from the group, and anyone new who came in, we all welcomed them in and I think Ro has built a really good culture here and so when you come in, you just fit in automatically.

“(For me on the field), I just try to add that calmness to the team I guess when things get under pressure.

“Just having a level head and knowing what to do in all situations. I think I bring that experience, but more guidance I like to think, guidance on what to do when things go against us, not to lose our heads, but stay calm and try to figure out a way out of those situations.

“I guess if I do my job, it makes it easier for everyone else.”

While the Devils have kept a strong core of players from last year in their 2022 squad, a few have been signed up by NRL clubs and Nakubuwai, who made his NRL debut with Gold Coast Titans in 2017, could not be prouder.

“We had Michael Molo and Jonathon Reuben go down to the Dragons, it’s good to see them achieve a dream, they have got a foot in the door,” Nakubuwai said.

“It would be good to see them in the next few months and see if maybe they can make their debuts, especially Jonathon Reuben, he’s been around for a while.”

While supportive of his former team mates, the desire to once again play NRL still burns within Nakubuwai, who is also eligible to be selected for Fiji, a nation he proudly represented previously in Test matches, following in his father Pio’s footsteps.

“To be honest all I know is that it is this week (with training) and that it is a trial,” Nakubuwai said of his current Broncos chance.

“But to be honest, it is a goal and a dream (to return to the NRL), I would love to be fulltime again, but at this stage, I will just train hard this week and play and go from there really.

“(I would also like to play for Fiji again), but then again, like this trial, I just know if I keep working hard at my game every day, opportunities will come.

“I can’t control who the coach picks, or opportunities like this... I can only choose to take opportunities like this.”

With his focus currently fixed on playing well in this upcoming trial, the next goal is to continue the hard work with the Devils, with the team aiming to back up from their 2021 success.

“I am just looking forward to getting out there and having another successful season,” Nakubuwai said.

“We did quite well last year, we went all the way and won the comp, I think the challenge for us this year is to keep being consistent and not drop our standards. We have got a few new boys in, so it will be good to see how we all gel together.

“I am just looking forward to Round 1 and just getting out there again.”