Salesi Foketi has quickly made a name for himself within the Sydney Roosters after embracing the challenges of training with seasoned players.
His first experience with the NRL squad involved an intense wrestling session against Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, which left a lasting impression. "I would've just finished SG Ball and I remember training with Jazz and that was probably the most surreal moment … he doesn't care if you're 12 or you're 40," Foketi recalled.
At just 20 years old, Foketi is thriving in the back row, showcasing the positive developments within the Roosters' junior system. The club, once scrutinized for recruiting rather than developing talent, has seen Foketi become one of several homegrown players in their current lineup.
Out of the 19-man squad to face Penrith in their qualifying final, 13 players debuted at the NRL level or ascended through the club's lower grades. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou highlights the club's commitment to nurturing talent, stating, "We have created such a good system to help boys get knowledge around the game."
Despite Penrith being celebrated for their development efforts, Foketi's teammate, centre Billy Smith, asserts the Roosters are cultivating their own talent, countering the narrative that they only buy players. "It's a tip of the cap to the club to the pathways system that they have got going," he mentioned.
Foketi has stepped into the left back-row position, previously held by Angus Crichton, and will face a formidable challenge against Penrith's halfback Nathan Cleary. "The hard parts of the game are something I've had to pick up," Foketi shared.
His unique journey from New Zealand, where he initially played as a bulky 120kg player, has been supported by the Roosters' coaching staff, including Coach Trent Robinson. "Robbo gave me a heads up he'd put that trust in me on that left edge," Foketi noted, emphasizing how the club has boosted his confidence.