Parramatta Eels teen Tepai Moeroa hailed as

Sport
dailytelegraph.com.au
League
NRL
SOU
SYD
All
NRL
34
26
FULL TIME
CBR
WAR
FULL TIME
NRL
6
18
WST
STI
FULL TIME
NRL
22
4
NRL
NRL
MAN
$1.98
BRI
$1.90
WAR
$1.40
CBY
$1.83
NQL
$1.90
PAR
$2.95
FRI 20/3 19:35
FRI 20/3 20:35
SAT 21/3 15:00
POWERED BY FOX SPORTS
Parramatta Eels teen Tepai Moeroa hailed as the best
young forward in a decade -­ and he’s eyeing the
Olympics
by: Nick Walshaw
From: The Daily Telegraph
March 13, 2015 12:00AM
Share
×
Share this story
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Google
Email
10
10
Aged 19, Tepai Moeroa has been hailed as one of the NRL’s best prospects in years.
Source: News Corp Australia
< (#) > (#)
Hailed by Sterlo as best young forward in league
Compared by many to Nathan Hindmarsh and SBW
Chasing a spot at the Rio Olympics -­ in shot putt
Studying to become a counsellor
TEPAI Moeroa still gets a lift to training with Mum. He denies it, of course. Teenagers always do.
“But yes, I drive,’’ Paris Moeroa laughs.
“Quite a bit actually. Because Tepai doesn’t have a licence yet, I’m there for him. I guess for an NRL
player he’s a bit unique.”
Isn’t he what?
All shaggy hair, shattering tackles and chauffeured rides with Mum, Moeroa suddenly looms as the
hottest rugby league item since some lark first put Deep Heat in Speedos.
FIBROTAILS: HOW THE EELS GOT THE ULTIMATE REVENGE (/sport/nrl/nrl-­premiership/kieran-­foran-­
signs-­with-­parramatta-­eels-­star-­signing-­the-­ultimate-­revenge-­against-­manly-­sea-­eagles/story-­e6frf3tc-­
1227259583108)
‘I’M NOT SAYING ANYTHING ON FORAN SIGNING’ (/nrl/kieran-­foran-­to-­parramatta-­eels-­coach-­brad-­
arthur-­elusive-­about-­star-­signing/story-­e6frf3ou-­1227259570828)
PARRAMATTA’S PAULO COPS NINE WEEKS (/sport/nrl/nrl-­judiciary-­parramattas-­junior-­paulo-­banned-­for-­
nine-­weeks-­over-­dangerous-­throw/story-­e6frf3ou-­1227259078521)
At 19, not so much arriving in the NRL as kicking down the front door and taking hostages. Already,
Eels officials are whispering greatness.
Peter Sterling: “The best young forward in a decade”.
Cover of today’s League Central
Source: Supplied
And as for those comparisons to Nathan Hindmarsh, Sonny Bill Williams, even 80s enforcer Geoff
Robinson?
“Ah, sorry,” Moeroa shrugs apologetically when the last name is put. “I’ve never heard of him.”
Oh, c’mon.
Robbo. Geoff Robinson.
That cult Canterbury tough whose heart and hair were matched only by his ability to cause
haemorrhaging in rivals.
“Oh, really?” Moeroa continues. “Don’t know him.
“I’ve heard the Hindy stuff, which is cool. I think he was playing first grade when I was in Kindergarten.”
Actually, would you believe age three?
Still living at home with his parents in Mt Druitt, Moeroa is a regular churchgoer who never swears, has
no tattoos and insists fellow Eel Pauli Pauli is the one who drives him to training.
“But Mum does too,’’ laughs his manger Craig Baker. “Or Tep catches the train.
“Everyone might be talking about this aggressive new forward for Parramatta, but really he’s just a great
young kid.”
Tepai Moeroa is eyeing a spot at the Rio Olympics.
Source: Supplied
And for proof listen to Dr Andrew Hirst, the Deputy
Growing up for me, it hasn’t
Headmaster at Newington College, speak of the humble
always been easy. Where I come
schoolboy who, after dropping a rival on the rugby field, would from life is often roaming the streets
then extend a hand to lift them up.
looking for trouble
Or officials from St Pats Blacktown recalling how, having
busted whatever defence he faced that particular Saturday, Moeroa would then sprint away to the tryline
— and wait.
Eventually handing the Steeden off to whichever teammate arrived first to score.
Even in Grade 10, when picked for the Newington First XV, Moeroa refused to play. “Because,’’ says
Mum, “Tepai didn’t think it was right to take that spot from a senior.”
Here, truly, is the heartbeat of league’s Next Big Thing. Yes, Moeroa has always been the biggest kid on
the field.
Blessed, too, with an athleticism his old throwing coach Dave Bruce says: “Used to make him look so
casual ... right until he let the discuss go”.
But what really sets Moeroa apart is want.
How else do you explain this Eels rookie chasing a spot at next year’s Rio Olympics for shot putt? Or
studying at TAFE to become a counsellor?
Sure, we could understand if he were fellow Eel Danny Wicks, wanting to help others after 18 months
inside.
But what does a teenager living at home, a kid whose mum still makes his lunches, honestly know
about life?
Tepai Moeroa has made a big impression after just 10 NRL appearances.
Source: News Corp Australia
“I know what it’s like to struggle,’’ insists this son of factory workers who, when pressed, can talk of
missed birthdays and Christmases.
Of Mum, who gets to every home game, not having the cash to travel interstate. And of owning almost
no childhood photos because, well, who could afford a camera?
“Growing up for me, it hasn’t always been easy. Where I come from life is often roaming the streets
looking for trouble.”
Asked if he were ever among this lot and Moeroa offers the longest pause.
“Aaaah, yeah,’’ he eventually replies. “For a couple of years I was. But that story, it’s for another day.
I’m just lucky people close to me cared.
“Understood rugby league was my opportunity.”
And now, so does he.
An 11-­year-­old Moeroa, excelling at discus.
Source: News Limited
“But Tepai, he’s always had the inner drive,’’ insists Dr Hirst. “I remember, during our first chat, asking
what he aspired to.
“Tepai looked me in the eye and said ‘I want to represent my country in three sports — rugby league,
rugby union and shot putt’.”
And who wants to bet against it?
Despite boasting only 10 NRL appearances, this bullocking Eel already owns the type of presence that
has opposition runners changing direction — quick.
And still those who know him best say his greatest weapons are maturity. Humility.
“And mental strength,’’ insists Bruce. “In 40 years coaching I’ve seen plenty of gigantic boys go
nowhere.
“But Tepai Moeroa ... there are few young men can control their mind like him.”
So how long can Parramatta keep a lid on the hype?
On Tuesday, see, Eels officials let our interview run only nine minutes — or 54 seconds per top grade
appearance — before calling time and dragging him away.
So no, we cannot tell you what this Blues hopeful thinks of the Origin talk. Nor how he intends to throw
at an Olympics starting in August.
And as for driving himself to training any time soon?
“Ah, I’m short sighted,’’ Moeroa laughs seconds before time is called. “So before any licence I need
contacts, maybe laser treatment.
“But hopefully by the end of the year I’ll be right. Have myself behind the wheel.”
And until then, he always has Mum.
Comments (#social-­comments)
facebook
twitter
linkedin
google +
reddit
email
10
comments
13
people
listening
Sign
in
+ Follow
Share
Post
comment
as...
To comment or reply, please login or create an account.
Newest | Oldest | Top Comments
David
4 days ago
It will be a big test for him tonight against the 'dogs pack. I think Kelmmer might have something to say
about him being the best young forward in a decade. Good luck to him
Like
Deano
Reply
4 days ago
He'd look good at Souths
Like
Lawrence
Reply
4 days ago
With Tepai coming from the Cook Islands what a great advertisement he is for that wonderful, beautiful
country
1
Paul
Like
Reply
4 days ago
Lives in Mt Druitt fantastic story.I grew up in Blackett & an eels tragic.Tepai reminds me of a cult hero
who left the Eels last season Fui Fui Moi Moi.Keep breaking those tackles Tepai and may God be with
you Brother.