Nofoaluma overwhelmed by record but focused on challenge ahead

Wests Tigers record winger David Nofoaluma has shared his emotions after breaking the club’s all-time try-scoring record against Brisbane last Sunday afternoon.

The powerful winger broke the club record when he scored his 85th NRL try in the 30th minute at Suncorp Stadium — going ahead of Chris Lawrence and Benji Marshall on the scorers list.

A local junior and one-club man, Nofoaluma was overwhelmed by the reception he received after his record achievement.

“Wests Tigers are the club I started with and I’ve been with my whole career — that makes it even more special,” Nofoaluma said.

“I had a number of past players contact me. There are a lot of messaged that I’ve got to get around to.

“I recently got a message from Tim Moltzen, which was nice to receive.

“Chris Lawrence and Blake Ayshford also reached out to me. Blake was my first centre partner when I first came onto the NRL scene — it was nice to hear from him.”

Although Nofoaluma was overjoyed to have set the record, he was just glad to leave Suncorp Stadium with two competition points.

The 18-point win moved Wests Tigers to within one win of the top eight — setting a platform for the final seven rounds of the regular season.

“For us to be together, we’re going to take advantage of that,” he said.

“We want to use this time in Brisbane to do something special. We want to make the most of being together. It helps build close relationships.

“Once you form good relationship, it forms combinations and helps a lot in games.”

Michael Maguire’s men will be tasked with facing the high-flying Sea Eagles this Saturday — and Nofoaluma said he and his team-mates are up for the challenge.

“Manly have been playing some fantastic footy and they’re a really good side,” the winger said.

“I think Tom Trbojevic is the best player in the world.

“It’s going to be a challenge for us. I think if we focus on what we’ve been doing, I think we will go well in the game.”