One-way ticket to the NRL: Lisati's sacrifices pay off

Ativalu Lisati, a rookie with the Storm, exemplified dedication by walking an hour each way to school in West Auckland instead of paying for bus fare. He diligently saved his lunch money for a year to chase his dream of playing rugby league.

Now just one win away from a dream grand final, Lisati's parents, who had never stayed in a hotel until his NRL debut in Townsville, have witnessed his remarkable rise. He has been selected for the second row in the upcoming preliminary final against the Sharks.

The 24-year-old's path to the NRL is marked by hard work, determination, and sacrifice-qualities that reflect both his deep religious faith and the principles upheld by the Storm under coach Craig Bellamy.

Instead of spending on transportation, Lisati opted for walking, which allowed him to save enough money to travel to Ipswich to visit his brother Faatupu.

Within a year, he was playing alongside notable athletes at the Panthers, including Stephen Crichton, after being spotted while competing in Queensland's Allan Langer Cup, an esteemed tournament named after a former Ipswich State High School student.