LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Sydney Roosters prop Naufahu Whyte is set to play his first NRL game in his hometown of Auckland, New Zealand.
Despite being eligible to play for multiple countries, Whyte chose to represent his birth country and fulfilled a childhood dream by making his debut for the Kiwis during last year's Pacific Championships.
Reflecting on the emotion of representing New Zealand, Whyte expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "For my family, it's huge."
Having faced challenges on his path to the NRL, including the disruption of COVID-19 on his initial move to Australia in 2020, Whyte eventually returned to the Roosters on a train and trial contract.
Now, he is gearing up to play at Go Media Stadium for the first time since the Kiwis' loss to Tonga last November.
The significance of returning to his hometown for Friday's clash with the Warriors is not lost on Whyte, as he prepares to take the field in front of friends and family for his first NRL game in Auckland.
Reflecting on his journey and the support of his loved ones, Whyte emphasized the importance of family in his career, stating, "For my family, it's huge...
it's a massive thing for me." As he prepares to face the Warriors at Go Media Stadium, Whyte's emotions are running high, grateful for the opportunity to represent New Zealand and play in front of his hometown crowd.
With his past challenges behind him, Whyte is focused on making the most of this moment and continuing to fulfill his dreams on the NRL stage.