THE HARDER THE BATTLE THE BETTER FOR NU AKERIPA
By Wayne Cousins
9/11/2010 3:50:19 PM
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A strong self belief to be the best he can is what drives Nu Akeripa to succeed at Wests Tigers.
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The 23-year-old loves a challenge and there is no bigger mountain for the Campbelltown junior to climb than trying to win a back-row position in an NRL side that features world class second-rowers in Gareth Ellis and Chris Heighington.
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Akeripa welcomes the battle.
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“Having Gareth and Chris there makes me want to work hard,’’ he said.
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“ They are really good players and I respect them for their work rates. If I want their position, I am going to have to try and work even harder than them.
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“Gareth’s defence is incredible. He appears everywhere and most of his tackles are dominant. Everyone talks about him. Heighno is a leader and talks well to the boys so I just sit and listen to what he says.
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“I am not afraid. Nothing comes easy these days. Everything you get in life, you have to earn.”
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It is a lesson Akeripa learnt from his close knit family. Values, religion and the ability to treat people with kindness are what make this young man with the big friendly smile tick.
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One of four children and the only boy , Akeripa says his beliefs come from a strong upbringing from his Samoan family.
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“Having three sisters has been good as they have taught me to respect women,’’ he says.
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“Everything I do with my life, I think about what it means to my family. My parents taught me well growing up and we have always had strong discipline.
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“My father Kaisarika is a good man. He is the type of person who doesn’t like mucking around. He is really serious especially with my football. My Dad supports me 100 per cent and would be my number one fan. He comes to all of my games.
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“ My mother, Lise, is the same as Dad. It was probably the reason why they were attracted to each other. They are very strong people with strong cultures. Religion is a big part of my family. I’m from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We go to church every Sunday.”
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As for his football ability, Akeripa was a late starter to the game. He first stepped out in the U10s for Eagle Vale-St Andrews for two years before pulling on the colours of East Campbelltown, Warriors and Macarthur Saints.
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In between playing in the Western Suburbs Juniors, Akeripa worked hard on his education as a student at Airds High School after his father pulled the pin on his son attending renowned sports specialist school, Westfields High.
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“My Dad wouldn’t allow me to travel on the trains by myself,’’ Akeripa revealed.
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“He told me to go to Airds High but some people were negative towards it. My Dad told me it doesn’t matter what school you go to along as you go for the right reasons, then you can make a difference. I completed Year 12 at Airds High. I want to one day become a PE teacher.”
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Akeripa’s first taste of junior representative rugby league came at SG Ball level for the Western Suburbs Magpies of which he has fond memories of.
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“It was exciting, crazy to be playing for the Magpies especially with them being the local team,’’ he said.
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“I was playing prop and Chris Lawrence was in my SG Ball side. Even back then, he was hard working. He was always first to the gym and last out every time. He played full-back and was the gun player.
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"Chris was our goal-kicker too and would hardly ever miss. I am surprised he is not the goal kicker for the Wests Tigers.”
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Akeripa was happy playing front row before his coach Leo Epifania moved him to his now preferred position of second-row. He has also played centre under Epifania at NSW Cup level but wants to wave goodbye to that position.
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“Tim Sheens has told me I am too slow for a centre,’’ Akeripa said, bluntly.
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“I get bored in the centres especially when I am used to a higher work rate in the second-row. When I do get the ball in the centres, I get rounded up pretty easily.
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“I need to focus on my fitness after missing seventh months this season with hip and ankle injuries.
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“I know what lies ahead and what I need to do but it is exciting to come to training. It is kind of like a dream come true. Growing up as a kid watching league on television, you would always think you can get there.
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“When I get that opportunity, I will take it and do the very best I can. All I need is one shot.”
