NZ Warriors fans will love debutant Dad’s brilliant comments

Makaia Tafua is on the verge of making his debut for the New Zealand Warriors, and fans will love what his father has had to say about the prospect.

The 21-year-old is one of the brightest young guns in the Warriors‘ ranks, and his debut has been long-awaited, but that delay will be over when he takes the field vs Cronulla Sharks on Saturday.

Makaia Tafua’s Dad delighted

The dummy-half has been named on the Wahs’ extended bench for the clash with the Sharks, as head coach Andrew Webster needs reinforcements following injuries aplenty and State of Origin absentees.

Fellow hooker Samuel Healey sustained a thumb injury, which has allowed Tafua to get his shot, much to his parents’ delight.

“It’s pretty exciting and pretty surreal. Seeing his name there and potentially making his debut, I’m stoked and really happy for him,” Tafua’s father John told foxsports.com.au.

“When he sent through the message, we were over the moon for him. It showed that all his hard work finally paid off and we were pretty excited.

“I was at work and had a little scream in the corner quietly and was just like, this could actually be happening. I just had to stay calm and just process it all.”

Makaia Tafua journey to first grade 

Tafua has starred for the Warriors throughout the youth ranks. Contracted to the club until the end of 2028, his journey began at three when he played in an under-7s competition.

This was a theme for the player, who continuously played against kids older than him. It was something he thrived on, evidenced by his man-of-the-match performance in an Under-18s Grand Final against players two years older than him.

“He started at three, turning four and was the smallest kid and always been the smallest kid coming through the grades, but he always had the heart and skills,” his father said.

“He looked like a two-year-old, but he went into contact and took on the bigger guys and didn’t take a backward step. I was coaching at the time, and he just ran forward (in attack) and was shooting off the line (in defence).

“The one moment that stands out was back when he played for Lindwood Keas. He just turned 16, and he played Under-18s,” he continued.

“He was still small then as well, and it was the Grand Final. Playing hooker, he scored four tries and got man-of-the-match as a 16-year-old in the grand final.

“That’s when he really took off. He never wanted to play his own grade. He always wanted to challenge himself.

“That was one of the moments that really stood out, and another one was in the South Islands when he scored, but also put on a massive hit on one of the second rowers. He has had no fear since a young age.”

Wahs fans will be hoping Tafua brings this fearlessness to first grade when he laces his boots up vs Cronulla.