In the cuthroat National Rugby League (NRL) world, new talents emerge each year, fascinating audiences with their streak of brilliance One such rising star who has captured the attention of rugby league fans is Sunia Raisaqa Turuva.
The young Fijian hails from Saunaka in the yavusa o Naua in Nadi, with maternal links to Raiwaqa, Ruwailevu in Navosa,(in the yavusa of Jubeinoqi).
Turuva’s outstanding skills and exceptional performances recenbtly earned him the NRL’s Dally M Awards Rookie of the Year.
At just 21 years old, Turuva’s journey from humble beginnings to the forefront of the sport of rugby league is inspiring.
But Sunia’s accomplishment did not come easy. The year 2020 brought unimaginable challenges to Turuva and his family when they narrowly escaped a devastating house fire. Then, he was a Penrith Panthers Junior.
In the blaze, Turuva’s family lost almost all their possessions. It was a moment that could have broken anyone’s spirit, but Turuva refused to be defined by the tragedy. Instead, he used it as fuel to push himself forward with solid purpose.
Turuva told 7 Sport that his family members “were lucky enough to get out during the house fire and when it all went up it was pretty crazy”
“We were incredibly fortunate to have my tai or grandmother’s generous accommodating nature. After the devastating incident of our house burning down, she graciously extended an invitation for us to stay in her home temporarily,” he said.
“It’s comforting to know that we have reliable support from her and others whenever we need it especially my mother’s side”.
Following the fire, Turuva started a fundraiser on the gofundme app in which he said: “My four brothers, my parents and I escaped with our lives but lost most of our possessions in a devastating house fire at the Glendenning property we were renting late last month.The flames took hold in a matter of minutes, leaving us with little more than the clothes on our backs and a few items we could salvage once the firefighters had extinguished the blaze.”
“Unfortunately none of our possessions were insured and we have to start over from scratch. Any money we can raise will help purchase basic items like the clothes, school gear and furniture we need to help get life back to normal, as we find a new place to live.”
According to the Sunday Morning Herald the Fijian international has already knocked back lucrative three year offers from the Dolphin and West Tigers.
He has made it clear that he wants to stay at Penrith once again and plans to build his family a new house after flames ripped through in a matter of minute in 2020.
“My faith and my family are the most important thing, what my family have done for me, how they have looked after me, I think it’s time to give something back to the,” Turuva told SMH.
“Going through it all together that is how we got through it, knowing that we have each other”.
Sadly, Turuva’s resilience was tested once again in early 2021 (barely one year after the fire) when he had to face the heart-breaking loss of his beloved mother Salote Vatuinaruku.
The weight of that grief could have easily consumed him, casting a shadow over his aspirations.
However, in the face of unimaginable pain, Turuva summoned strength from within him that few could comprehend.
He transformed his sorrow into motivation, dedicating his every move on the field to his late mother and her unwavering belief in his abilities.
“This whole season she (my mom) would have been pretty pumped to watch me,” Turuva said during an interview with 7Sport.
His mother was his number one supporter but sadly she passed away early in his career.
“I just know that she will be watching over me.” Turuva said.
Turuva has gone from development player to Dally M Rookie of the Year favorite in one incredible season.
The 21 years old is described as a versatile player and came through the junior grade as a fullback. But he can play in the center and has made his mark on the NRL as winger after scoring nine tries during the season.
“I know my mother would have been proud of my performance during the season,”he told 7Sport.
Turuva knows how special it is to be part of a team looking to make it three straight titles for the first time in 40 years, but the 21-year-old reminds himself this is his first opportunity on the main stage and wants to embrace that moment.
His elder brother Laisenia Katonawale said Sunia continuous hard work and determination had truly been a light in their dark times as a family.
“He ( Sunia ) has constantly pushed himself to be the best version of his soul every day, and his achievements speak volumes about his perseverance,” he said.
“We’ve all witnessed his relentless efforts and how he constantly strives to perfect his art in playing. Week in, week out, Sunia is always working hard, leaving no stone unturned to excel in his career.’’
Turuva is making his debut representing Fiji in the Pacific Championship Rugby League Competition which is currently underway in Papua New Guinea. Fijians can only wish him the very best.
In a world where dreams seem distant, his journey reminds us that with passion and dedication, success is possible.
Through his story, Fijians should be reminded that the pursuit of dreams is not confined by borders, but fueled by desires of the heart and the focus of the mind.
- AVENAI SERUTABUA is a youth human rights activist and mental health advocate from Nabukelevu Village in Serua. He writes fortnightly articles on rustic living and ‘sights and sounds’ from rural Serua. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper.
