Su’a’s NRL Quest Fueled by Family Legacy and Elite Mentorship
The promising career of Dolphins rookie Sebastian Su’a is being shaped by the powerful work ethic instilled by his father, a former New Zealand Test cricketer, and the guidance of experienced NRL prop Daniel Saifiti. Su’a, 22, is poised to make a meaningful impact in the NRL this year, drawing strength from a unique sporting lineage and a supportive team environment.
Sebastian’s father, murphy Su’a, holds a distinguished place in New zealand cricket history as the first player of Samoan heritage to represent the nation in Test matches. He blazed a trail for future stars like Ross Taylor,also of Samoan descent,who would go on to achieve legendary status with the Black Caps. This familial legacy serves as a potent motivator for the younger Su’a as he embarks on his own professional sporting journey.
Initially, a career in cricket seemed a likely path for Sebastian. “I played cricket coming through school and for club, but I went down the rugby path. I just like the physicality,” he explained.However,the influence of his father,while supportive,also presented a challenge. “My dad put a lot of pressure on me out of love and wanting me to do well. That pushed me away from cricket a bit, but in hindsight I am grateful for the pressure he put on me. That has instilled good ethics in me in the rugby league space and the work ethic to get where I want to get to.”
Murphy su’a’s own career included 13 Test appearances and 12 One Day Internationals, with a career-best bowling performance of 5-73 against Pakistan in 1993. Sebastian acknowledges the ambition to reach a similar international level. “It is definitely a good challenge for me to get to the international level he represented. That is a goal of mine. Having him as my father and knowing he has gone through the professional sporting area, he can guide me along the way.”
A pivotal moment in Su’a’s decision to join the Dolphins came after conversations with coach Kristian Woolf and senior players Tom Gilbert and,crucially,Daniel Saifiti. He secured a release from the Newcastle Knights a year early, drawn by the positive culture fostered at the Queensland-based club. “I was with Daniel at Newcastle and I was really close with him and his brother Jacob. They took me under their wing,” Su’a saeid. “daniel is somebody I really trusted and when he told me about how it was up here I really trusted his word. It all felt right and somewhere I could fit in.”
Saifiti’s mentorship is especially valued by the young forward. “He is really good with the younger boys who aspire to get to that level in the NRL. He is a great mentor for me.”
Su’a’s arrival at the Dolphins in March 2025 was immediately hampered by a training injury – a torn meniscus – that threatened to derail his progress. He spent the majority of the year in rehabilitation, eventually returning to play a few games for the Norths Devils in the queensland Cup. “It was my first training session when I tore my meniscus. That was pretty disappointing because I was excited,” Su’a recalled. “I was in rehab for the whole year but managed to get a couple of games in for Norths Devils.”
Despite the setback, Su’a remained focused and determined. “I have had a full pre-season and am looking forward to the season ahead. All the boys here got around me and helped me get through that rehab period.” Having overcome the injury, and with only one NRL game under his belt, Su’a is now fully focused on reaching his potential. “now that I am out the other side I know it was all worth it. I have only played one NRL game and am aspiring to get to that next level.”
