Page 7 - Grassroots Edition 8 - September - 2015

PAKI HEADS OFF A WINNER

Pt Chevalier forward Pakisonasi Afu has finished his “I can't really get myself in the shape I need until I am
time in Auckland as a champion, and now can't wait there, it's my first time back in the NRL system since
for the challenge that awaits at the Sydney Roosters 2010.
next year.
“Back in the 20s I wasn’t really that prepared mentally,
After playing a pivotal role in the Appliance Shed Fox but going through this season with Pt Chev they have
Memorial Premiership campaign for the Pirates, which helped me get prepared in that way.”
ended with them beating the Mt Albert Lions 22-10 in
the grand final, 25-year-old Afu will link up with the Pt Chevalier coach Grant Pocklington said Afu had been
Roosters for a shot in the NRL which has been a long a picture of professionalism since linking up with the
time coming.
champion side, shrugging off the
A foundation member of the praise that came after penning
Bulldogs' NYC squad back in his deal with the Roosters.
2008, Afu represented Tonga
in 2009 but never graduated “Paki has been phenomenal,” he
through to the NRL. said

But after being headhunted “We knew what he was capable
by the Roosters midway of, he just had to get refocussed
through the Auckland club and realise how good he is.
season the 108kg second-
rower will get a second “Paki is a special type of
chance at chasing his dream. footballer and a great guy.

“To be honest it's a dream come true to be able to win “I think this group of guys
a Fox title before I head over, it is just unreal,” Afu demand maturity from each
said. other. We have a set of standards and a culture and he has
adjusted to that.

“He has still got a lot of improvement in him.”

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