Simi Sasagi, a talented centre for the Canberra Raiders, has undergone shoulder surgery, which he firmly believes is a pivotal decision for his career, despite the personal sacrifice involved.
At the recent Mal Meninga Medal ceremony, the 25-year-old received the award, acknowledging his standout season, where he emerged as one of the top NRL centres.
However, his celebration was overshadowed by a large sling on his arm, necessitated by his injury. Just a week prior, Sasagi opted for surgery after grappling with the idea of playing in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup for Samoa.
He had long viewed participation in the World Cup as a childhood dream, which seemed achievable as he played in the Raiders' final two matches despite his injury.
Ultimately, he prioritized his health over the tournament, stating, "It was a pretty hard (decision)... I wanted to play in the World Cup. It was obviously one of my goals."
Grateful for the support from the Raiders, he added, "I thought I'd regret my decision... but that's the best decision I've ever made. I'm just grateful for this club."
Though the Raiders finished 11th this season, Sasagi's performance stood out, scoring seven tries and making ten line breaks across 16 games due to injuries.
Having received renewed confidence from the club after a difficult stint with Newcastle, he expressed gratitude for the trust given by the Raiders management, particularly Ricky Stuart.
In addition to Sasagi, Leianne Tufuga claimed the NRLW Mal Meninga Medal, and former prop Josh Papali'i announced his new role within the club starting in November.