Rugby League is an incredible sport. For many people, it’s a code that provides fitness, a sense of community and the forging of life-long friendships. For a small group of elite young players, it offers the financial rewards and life opportunities that most can only dream about. Unfortunately, tales of wasted talent abound throughout the NRL, as they do in many walks of life. Lives led astray for the briefest of moments have tragically curtailed the careers of the most talented individuals. This seemed to be the path that Parramatta’s latest recruit was travelling. Kirisome Auva’a is on what amounts to his final opportunity in the NRL, but it’s an opportunity that he values. He joins the Eels on what he hopes will be his road to redemption.
The Talented Junior
Born in Samoa, Auva’a was initially raised in South Auckland, New Zealand before moving to Queensland as a teenager and completing his schooling there. Although a standout player in schoolboy rugby union for Ipswich Grammar, Auva’a graduated into rugby league through Norths Tigers juniors in Brisbane and then the Melbourne Storm NYC team. His three years in their Under 20s system featured an appearance with the Queensland Under 18 Origin line up in 2010. He finished his time with the Storm in 2013, transitioning into what was then their NSW Cup joint venture with the Sharks.
South Sydney
Auva’a signed with the Rabbitohs for 2014 and played 21 games with the Bunnies that season. In a year in which Souths achieved Premiership glory, the powerful centre was a key member of their impressive backline. Although they are different styles of players, the comparisons between Auva’a and Dylan Walker make for interesting reading.
During that year, Walker posted game averages of 121 running metres and 0.6 try assists. Against this, Auva’a averaged 106 running metres per game and 0.5 try assists – figures that are quite comparable to Walker – a player who has since achieved Origin selection.
Unfortunately for Auva’a, his career with South Sydney has had its set backs since then, firstly with a 9 month ban in 2015 and ultimately a termination of his contract part-way through 2016.
Auva’a on the burst against the Sharks.
The Controversies
To ignore the past would mean not addressing the issues that led to Auva’a losing his lucrative contract with the Rabbitohs and ultimately finding his way to the Eels. Kirisome has to address those issues every day as part of his journey to a better life. Importantly, his honesty with Brad Arthur and the Eels about his difficulties would have gone a long way towards securing a contract.
In January of 2014, Auva’u was involved in a domestic incident with his ex-partner in Melbourne (before he made his NRL debut), which resulted in him being placed on a Good Behaviour Bond late in 2014. The NRL weighed in with their own 22 round suspension, which basically saw him miss the great majority of the 2015 season.
This year has proven to be the ultimate wake-up call for Auva’u. With South Sydney terminating his contract after he breached the NRL Drugs Policy for the second time, his career could have been at the end. However, Parramatta have offered him a life-line and it’s not been entered into lightly. Undoubtedly, Auva’a would realise that he is probably on his last chance to resurrect his career, and the ball is in his court to justify the Eels’ faith.
Why Sign Him?
Importantly, Auva’a has been ticking all of the boxes as far as the NRL is concerned. Talent aside, he has also convinced Brad Arthur and Parramatta that he’s in the right headspace to grasp this opportunity.
From a playing perspective, the strong-running centre is a proven first grader with a premiership ring on his finger (or sitting in the top drawer). This is probably a key reason for his signature. If we consider the incumbent “next in line” centres for the Eels – Toutai and Folau – neither has been able to cement a first grade spot despite having a number of opportunities. Both are blessed with size and ability yet both have been unable to transition into regular NRL roles. There comes a time when doubt enters the mind of the coaching staff about a player ever stepping up, and perhaps the Eels may now be looking for an alternative in their centre options. If so, as a player who has experienced grand final success, the 24 year old Auva’a easily fits the bill.
A powerful runner and a proven first grader.
At 6ft 1 and around 100kg, Auva’a has close to the ideal frame for a centre in the modern game. He has the size to handle the one-on-one defensive demands out wide, and the height to defuse high kicks. His power game in offence can break or bend the defensive line – setting the platform to get the attack on the front foot. He also possesses the pace to take advantage of any opportunity presented.
A Final Word
Kirisome Auva’a joins the Eels with a point to prove, both as a person and as a player. With so many players of similar ability running around in the NRL, attitude and drive can be factors that separate those who achieve their potential from those who don’t. Auva’a has long been acknowledged as a talent, so the punt is on his motivation and application.
For a man taking himself down the road to redemption, it’s a punt well worth taking.
February 2017 Update: Auva’a will be available for selection from round 2 of the Premiership. He’s trained strongly during the pre-season and looks like he could cover centre or wing. Like all Eels recruits he has added both quality and depth to the squad. I’m looking forward to what he will produce on the field.
Eels forever!
Sixties
Credit to the Parramatta Eels, South Sydney Rabbitohs and the NRL for the images used.
I don’t know how I feel about this one… I guess I have to trust in BA and his choice!
Definitely trust BA Gem.
I guess I mean more about his past. I know everyone makes mistakes, I guess I just don’t like the way the NRL handles the disciplinary side of things sometimes. Playing this game as a career for all that money and status is a privilege, not a right, and it’s amazing how many chances some of these guys get. I know it’s in the past now, and I truly hope he’s a changed man.
In saying all of that, I trust that BA wouldn’t bring in someone he didn’t think could meet his professional and personal expectations, so I have no doubt he will prove his worth.
Gem, I understand where you are coming from as I too think some of the NRL’s penalties are a bit harsh at times, and on that score I think the 7 weeks they handed to Corey Norman for a first time offence was harsh especially when compared to Mitchel Pearce’s disqualification which was on repeat offences, One could say Norman could have got more owing to personal stupidity but that would mean the comp would be cut in half with the amount of players put out.
A lot on the 1eeyed site were not happy with this potential signing but lets be honest we already have two players that have criminal pasts, both have served time, and Manu had a pretty crook one, yet he was able to get a clearance from the Australian government to come and live here, and he has shown out to be a top player and beyond that one that has shown there is life after crime. Danny Wicks is the same and are thriving at this club.
Auva’a is another person who can also salvage his life, and being able to train and possibly play with 2 other players who can help him will provide him with very good future prospects. Not only that but the coach and the support staff will put in place a very good program for his development that will have an on and off field focus.
As I said in my first post, the ball and his future is now in his hands, and hopefully not the NRL’s.
I wonder if we got him cheap. Would there have been much demand for this guy?
I wouldn’t stress too much in that regard.
Not stressing but wondering. He was obviously available. How many other clubs would have made offers?
Or did he/his management seek out the Eels?
I’m sure they did, but he’d be a poor manager if he only sought out one club.
Quite a few i can assure you
How old is this bloke?
To be fair, the mistakes made have most likely been made by a young bloke with a fair bit of money and something which we see time and time again, not just in the NRL but life in general.
I hope that for his sake and for all us eels fans that he grabs this opportunity and runs with it?
The bloke has some serious talent.
Sorry Grunta, I’ve updated the post. He is 24, turning 25 early next year.
Given his playing history will he be coming as a back up?
The rugby league season always has its surprises!
He is a very talented player & I have no doubt he will be pushing as hard as he can to work his way back into a regular NRL spot. This can only help the team as it creates competition for spots in the team. As an Eels fan that has watched the team do us proud under less than ideal circumstances all season, we want to see the same players that carried us through this season line up again next year but BA knows it’s all about wins. He will want the Eels playing finals footy next season & he will field the players he feels will achieve this goal. I’m looking forward to 2017 with a sense of pride & confidence in the whole club I haven’t felt in a long time. I hope everyone gets on board with membership next season so we can show the NRL just how much they need the Eels.
IN BRAD WE TRUST
Well said Jim!
Early days, and sometimes when a person is on his last line of hope then he either takes it or he loses it.
I sincerely hope he takes up the responsibility and being a bit older, hopefully wiser he can show up to be the player that he has the undoubted abilities that are there. He is a real cross road year in 2017, as he turns 25 at seasons start he can have a good career if he wants it, a good career means a good future all over.
I know a little bit about the background of this signing and feel confident that this could work out very well.
Sounds good mate.
Blake ferguson ,josh duggan , russ packer, manu ,danny , the list is endless , give him a chance and he may be ready to turn his life around or go into politics where they dont have standards and are trained to lie !
Agreed Grumpy, and from what I know, Auva’a’s honesty went a long way to gain the confidence from BA and the club.
He will definately be a good pickup if he works out. You would have to think that we got him cheap. I understand Pou’s concerns though.
John, I see this as a no risk signing to be honest. The bloke has quite a few people around the club who speak highly of him. The ball is in his court but from what I hear, he’s determined to make something of his life and his career.
That is good to hear. I trust in BA and have a lot of faith in the new culture developing at the eels now.
If indeed he has gained the trust of BA, then this is a terrific signing. Our backline looks very imposing for next season, and the versatility and depth among the playing group is quite impressive. And I take it that the shopping is not yet done!
Sixties, do you feel that Taka will shift to the forwards next year? Also, where to for Folau and Toutai now?
Finally, is Honeti Tuha still at the club? He does have ability, and if given the chance…
Hi Chris, mate I agree with you about Tuha I have a lot of time for this bloke and I don’t think he would let anyone down.
I’m pretty sure that the club rate Taka as one of the best centres in the game. So though I feel he could play as an edge forward, I couldn’t see the club steering him away from an area of strength. Just my opinion. Folau and Toutai probably have a lot of ground to make up. Folau had multiple injuries last year and Toutai started the season on fire in the 9s but struggled later.
Tuha – I’m not sure about his status for next year. Had some really good moments for Wenty this year, but I don’t think he showed enough for a shot at first grade. One thing in his favour is that he never stops trying.
In regards to Taka, it’s all this ‘talk’ of bringing in a new half that’s doing my head in. Now it may all just be apocryphal and meaningless, but if it were to ever to develop into something indisputable – and very soon – then piecing the backline together might just turn into an administrative headache for those that matter. I think the real problem here, however, is me buying into all the rumour and innuendo. I should just sit back and allow things to unfold in their own time.
You’re right: Tuha never stops trying. He reminds me of Bureta Faraimo and Corey Thompson (formerly of the Bulldogs) in that way. They’re ceiling as players may not be as high as some, but they always play to their best – or near to it – each time they are called upon to do a job for the team.
Chris, take a bow! In the history of rugby league sites I doubt that the word apocryphal has ever been used. Superb work. I’m impressed!
I’m part Greek Orthodox, and my ancestry on that side will be turning in its grave at my use of the word in such an abhorrent manner!
Keep posting Chris! We could be looking to add to our guest author group next year. Such mastery of our language, especially the diverse etymology, is a great base for any writer.
Etymology? (…) Ah, you mean Eti Molojee, the Bengali cousin of Etu Uaisele!
Cheers Sixties. I truly like the features and feedback of TCT. It’s quite gratifying to get a holistic account of all things Parramatta from the grassroots to the elite level, and everything in between. And you – along with the rest of your cohort at TCT – do strike me as someone with his finger on the pulse on a variety of areas directly relating to the club – indeed, a conduit more so of relevant information that is timely, entertaining and full of hope for the future. So I’ll be sticking around for a little while yet.
Well said Chris, and ultra true.
Thanks Chris and Colin. In making the decision to run as a magazine style format rather than a forum, we realise that it reduces the ability of other fans to post rumours or stories they’ve heard. However that market is well covered by other sites. In our content we have been able to earn respect within the NRL community and we want that to continue. We’ve had feedback from people in the NRL and Parra that the quality of responses to our posts is also a point of difference for us. So a big thanks to all of our readers for that.
Sixties
Says it all, and while I liked the idea of the forum aspect, the way things are here on TCT, there is a lot more reasoning in the posts, without any of the topics becoming a them/us verses them/those.
Having good input and clear information in the original posts also makes a huge step up. Each serve their purposes in different ways and love being on both.
Those involved in TCT, keep it up, great work.
This is a superb site and format. I like that your TCT authors post and we can comment. I also like that there is some good comment and not the language and rubbish.
In TCT we trust…..
Seriously like this site and always feel comfortable posting. Unlike others on here I have no inside information just my own observations but I still feel comfortable posting and always get a lot out of the comments.
Tuha like sandow , rocks or diamonds ,mainly rocks
Fair enough… I just live a vicarious existence based on the contribution that these players make to the Parramatta cause, and therefore wish them all the best in their endeavours.
Sixties,another superb read. I love the read and its extra better when i read the, at work. Close the door and read every word like a Jack Higgins book. In all seriousness i like this signing, as i recall Auva’a 2014 Season and his defence from memory was also good, along with his running.
He is a young guy who has made errors and yes serious ones, and football is his talent and i hope he grasps this chance with both hands as this guy could be a very buy.
I am very excited about the pre-season, and what it has to offer.
Brad and the coaching staff have made some astute, and resilient purchases imo.
Thanks mate! I seriously reckon that we will be in a stronger position than last year by the time we finish recruiting.
Sixties.
Has there been a seige at the TCT headquarters? Nothing here for over a week?
ECHO ECHo ECho Echo o o o o.
I hope the Nrl don’t stand in he way let him play with us
It’s all ok.
I just hope that we get a few new articles to read soon, Paul.
😉
How long until Jennings gets a tap on the shoulder??
Well, it would save him having to walk to the kitchen to get himself a glass of water if one actually came attached to his person…
That’s gold