World Cup halfback eager to do bit [Nelson Mail]
A new town, a new team and a brand new rugby challenge – and now a wretched hamstring injury to boot.
The Tasman Makos' new halfback signing, Jeremy Su'a, is beside himself with frustration, itching to join his new Marist clubmates in the Nelson Bays division-one club competition while conscious of taking the sensible option of nursing his damaged limb back to full health.
The 23-year-old Sydney-based civil engineering student was understudy to Samoan halfback Kahn Fotuali'i at last year's Rugby World Cup. Su'a appeared in both the 10-17 loss to Wales in Hamilton on debut and the 27-7 win over Fiji in Auckland.
But just as he was about to embark on his latest rugby venture in Nelson, he strained his hamstring playing for the Melbourne Rebels development team against the Western Force in Melbourne on March 23. He hasn't played since and probably won't until Marist's fifth-round match against Stoke on April 25.
Until then, he's playing it safe, admitting he came back too soon after initially tweaking his hamstring a couple of weeks before the Force game.
"I've had a bit of history with my hammies, so it's probably the right thing [to do] to get it right at this stage, because I don't want it happening again," he said.
Born in Wellington, Su'a moved to Sydney 13 years ago. He was part of the Waratahs setup from 2006-09 when he was third halfback behind Wallabies Luke Burgess and Brett Sheehan, meaning no game time with the top side.
He's been with the Melbourne Rebels extended Super 15 squad since the World Cup, with the aim of securing a Super contract for next season.
But it was through discussions with Samoa's assistant World Cup coach Aussie McLean, formerly part of the Crusaders' coaching staff, that Su'a got his opportunity with Tasman. Now it's a waiting game as he tests his patience on the sideline.
"I'm just itching to get out there. As a rugby player, it's always tough watching from the sidelines.
"As I say, I do have a bit of a history [with hamstring injuries].
"After I finished with the Waratahs, I actually sat out a couple of years because I strained my right and my left hammies. Last year was pretty much the year I jumped back on the horse and got things going again, so it's really important that I just get it right, because it has troubled me in the past."
He already has a link with Tasman of sorts through his close dealings with former Makos' halfback Fotuali'i.
"He's a local hero isn't he?" joked Su'a. "He is a quality halfback."
He knows there will be inevitable comparisons, which he's quick to downplay.
"I wouldn't really compare myself to him because he's in a different league.
"But it was a really good experience to actually be in the same squad as him so I could steal some ideas and take a few of his attributes, I guess, and adapt them to my game," Su'a said.
"In saying that, I do like to play a similar style of football, like I do like to run a bit rather than just passing straight from the base. I think that kind of style attracted [the Tasman selectors] to give me a call.
"That's basically my natural game, to be honest, rather than just the straight ball off the back."
He's never played in New Zealand's national provincial championship, but appreciates its quality and intensity.
"I have grown up watching ITM Cup and before that NPC, so I've always followed it and I know there's always a high standard of rugby involved.
"Hopefully I can assist [Tasman] with a few wins ... and bring something to the table for the team. And the team always comes first."
Enza Riwaka and Galbraith Group Nelson kick off Easter's club rugby action today when they meet at Riwaka at 6.30pm.
Wakatu Marist play Taylor's Contracting Wanderers at Trafalgar Park tonight at 8.15pm and Star and Garter Waimea Old Boys host New World Huia at Jubilee Park tomorrow at 2pm. Accessman Stoke have the bye.
- © Fairfax NZ News
