Maleala Su'a: ‘I’m focused and ready to go’
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Faith, footy and family are at the forefront of everything for Queensland Rubys prop Maleala Su'a.
The teenager is focused on being a role model for her two younger siblings – on and off the field. And she can’t wait to rip in for the Rubys at the Harvey Norman Women’s National Championships from May 18.
Having played for Brisbane Tigers in the Harvey Norman Under 19s then BMD Premiership this year, Su’a said it was an honour to be selected to represent Queensland.
“I wear the uniform with pride,” Su’a said, adding Harvey Norman Queensland Maroons coach Tahnee Norris explained the Queensland values to the side and they all resonated with her.
“Now I'm focused and ready to go.”
Su’a, who is in Year 12 at Mabel Park State High School, has come to rugby league from rugby union and hasn’t looked back.
“I was playing Reds Super W but I stopped when I saw the pathway to NRLW, to go further… the Gold Coast Titans Academy contacted me and I stopped with my Super W,” Su’a said.
“My goal is to finish school, debut this year… got to work hard for it and earn it. Can't just give it to me, got to earn it.”
Su’a said she looked up to Sydney Roosters talent Sarah Togatuki.
“As an Islander, I understand where she's coming from. She's really cool, very humble. I love her values,” Su’a said.
Su’a said her family members were her biggest supporters, including her younger sister and brother who played league at Logan Brothers.
“My family is my biggest 'hype man'. For me, I put God first, church, family, footy… I’m very heavy on that,” Su’a said.
“I have baby brother, one little sister. I'm the eldest. They motivate me to be a role model for them.”
Su’a said she was excited when she first saw her name on the Rubys team list.
“I was really happy. I was like 'oh my god'. I definitely was more excited when I saw the girls that were named. Some from Sydney, some from here. It's like a reunion. Getting to catch up,” Su’a said.
“I'm learning so much from Ms (Veronica) White, our coach, assistant coaches Ana Fotu and Paul Nieuwenhuyzen… Nieuwy has been part of my journey from under 12s all the way up, and Tahnee Norris.
“I love how they're honest with their feedback and what I need to work on. Little things you need from those coaches make you a better player.”
Rubys coach Veronica White said she first came across Su’a when she played in the Queensland Schoolgirls Under 18s team and she had noticed her commitment to training and excelling had come along in leaps and bounds since then.
"Maleala is a great kid,” White said.
“Back then she was still learning... when it comes to a session, making sure you're doing it 100 per cent. Over the past 12 months, she's just excelled in that area.
“She'll probably be our starting back row. Great trainer, works really hard, is really dynamic and really elusive in terms of how she moves on the field, and is a really strong defender. I'd hate to run into her.”
The Rubys will take on NSW Country in their first game at the national championships.
Match: QLD Rubys v NSW Country Women
Round 1 -
home Team
QLD Rubys
away Team
NSW Country Women
Venue: UAA Park, Gold Coast
