LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a whirlwind of determination and grit, Parramatta Eels' rising star Jake Tago has gone from contemplating retirement to living out his dream in the NRL and being selected for the Samoan squad alongside his brother, all within the span of six months.
It was a moment of pure magic when Tago made his NRL debut in Round 18 this season, a moment he thought might never come after considering walking away from the sport.
But with perseverance and a newfound focus, Tago has since played six more matches for the Eels, earning himself a spot in the Samoan team with his brother Izack Tago, and lining up alongside his idols Anthony Milford and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
As Samoa prepares for a tough series against England on foreign soil, Tago revealed to Zero Tackle that he was on the brink of calling it quits before his NRL debut.
Fortunately, he made the decision to push through and now finds himself not only with a new two-year contract extension with Parramatta, but also with the opportunity of a lifetime to represent his heritage on the international stage.
It's a true underdog story of resilience and triumph, a tale that echoes some of rugby league's greatest moments of overcoming adversity and rising to the challenge.
Tago's journey serves as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible in the world of rugby league.