Player Profile - Kieron Fonotia
MEET THE MAKOS PLAYERS
This week we talk to our creative and aggressive centre, Kieron Fonotia.
Congratulations on becoming just the ninth player to earn the Makos Blazer for 50 matches played. What does it mean to you to join such a select group of players?
It’s a privilege and an honour to wear the Makos jersey but to do it 50 times is unreal! When I look at those eight who have done it before me, they’re all guys I’ve looked up to and who are mates. So to be even mentioned in the same way as them is crazy!
You came to our region from Christchurch to have a crack at being selected for the Makos. What caused that decision and how much did you enjoy the club environment down here?
I got offered an opportunity to kick start my rugby career here, and it was the easiest and best decision I’ve ever made. I’m thankful the coaches saw something in me and gave me a crack. Now I’m proud to call this region my second home.
You have scored seven tries for the Makos, none more spectacular than a game winning effort under the sticks to help beat Canterbury in 2012. How special was that moment?
It’s really not that many for an outside back so I hope to get that tally up a bit. Yes scoring a winning try against a team you couldn’t make was pretty special. It’s a bit of a shame I couldn’t see anything after it as the boys kept hitting my head gear over my eyes!
You have played with some real characters in your five seasons here. Who are the the classics among them?
Goody (Andrew Goodman) sticks out because he’s a good guy who helped me out and took me under his wing when I was just a lad. And ToJo (Tom Marshall) just loved making everything a competition between us (he thinks he’s the big dog).
Who was your biggest influence to become a better rugby player?
My step dad Bill Barry has always believed in me, pushed me and been in my corner through the good times and bad.
Who has been your biggest influence on life away from the game?
Both my mum Nicky and Bill have always been there for me, and I have a lot to thank them for.
What do you see yourself doing after rugby?
I want to be a police officer because the work has a lot of variety, you have to keep yourself in some sort of nick, and it comes with a uniform so I won’t have to think too much in the morning about what to wear!
What is the one thing that people don’t know about you?
When I lived in Aussie, I turned four chairs on The Voice and picked Delta Goodrem.
