Salesi Foketi got an introduction to what it takes to play for the Sydney Roosters when, in his first session with the club’s NRL squad, he had to face off with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in a wrestling session.
“I would’ve just finished SG Ball and I remember training with Jazz and that was probably the most surreal moment … he doesn’t care if you’re 12 or you’re 40,” Foketi told AAP.
Thankfully Foketi, who dabbled in track and field as a youngster, has lived to tell the tale.
The 20-year-old has found his calling in the back row and his emergence this season further underlines the steady growth of the club’s junior system.
Foketi was first recruited to the Roosters as a 16-year-old.
The Roosters were once criticised for buying players rather than breeding them in one of the smallest catchment areas, but Foketi is one of 13 players in Trent Robinson’s 19-man squad to take on Penrith in their qualifying final who either debuted at NRL level or played for the club in the lower grades.
“We have created such a good system to help boys get knowledge around the game,” said veteran Roosters winger Daniel Tupou.
The Panthers, who have been held up as poster boys of investing in development, have 14 players in Sunday’s squad who are homegrown.
“When they say that we buy our players, it's not all true,” said centre Billy Smith, who was raised in Sydney’s east.
“It's a tip of the cap to the club to the pathways system that they have got going, and obviously the academy that they put in a few years ago.
“I think it's clear in the way we play, and these boys, it's been bred into them from a very young age.”
Foketi has followed the trail blazed by Naufahu Whyte, who was one of the first Kiwi products to make it to the Roosters and progress to the point he is now considered one of the NRL’s premier props.
Foketi has made the left back-row spot vacated by Angus Crichton’s injury his own over the past few weeks and will have his work cut out in stopping Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary.
“The hard parts of the game are something I’ve had to pick up,” Foketi said.
“Robbo gave me a heads up he’d put that trust in me on that left edge and to not worry about moments and focus on doing the hard things.
“My progression, coming from New Zealand, was a bit different.
“I was a big boy, 120kg, with the No.6 on my back. It wasn’t normal but being at the club they have given me that confidence.”
