Tevita Ofa grew up in Counties Manukau dreaming of one day playing for the Steelers and over the past four seasons his dream has become a reality.
The Manurewa youngster has been one of the most consistent players and is knocking on the door of Super Rugby teams with his performances.
But he is already living the dream just by putting on the famous red, white and black hoops of the Steelers.
“To me, it’s everything,” he said. “I grew up all my life in the region and to be able to wear the hoops now is a dream come true. “Hopefully I have many more games in the hoops.”
Ofa is a product of the Steelers Academy and pathways system – something that is really starting to fruit in recent seasons.
“Coming through the academy and pathways system was awesome. Being able to train and play alongside some of my closest mates are some of the best memories I hold to this day,” he said.
“All the early mornings and late nights, at the time weren’t the best but probably without those challenges I wouldn’t be here today. To see my brother coming through the same path I did is amazing. It’s shows what this region is about in breeding their own and hopefully one day we can suit up in the hoops together.”
The 23-year-old utility back has had a taste of Super Rugby with both the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika and he felt those experiences added to his game.
“Both experiences were great. Chiefs - I learnt a lot off those high calibre players. In saying that, I was still pretty young and had a lot to learn so I sort of took a back seat and felt like I didn’t maximise my opportunities there.
“But when I went to Moana, I challenged myself to take a step outside of my comfort zone and be a sponge. I felt like when I did that, I learnt a lot in terms of growing as a player.
“I set my ego aside and was able to learn off some great players/coaches.”
