Joey Saukuru could have been excused for shedding a few tears of joy in the crowd at CommBank Stadium on Sunday.
Standing behind a massive fence banner featuring his son, Solomone, this proud Fijian man was happily shaking hands with anyone in reach while proudly wearing a t-shirt with images of his young boy.
It was a wonderful moment for the Saukuru family, who had just witnessed Solomone score two tries in a memorable NRL debut for Wests Tigers against St George-Illawarra.
For Joey, it was extra special. After all, here is a man who has coached and nurtured many promising young footballers across junior rep teams at St George-Illawarra, Canterbury, and the Wests Tigers, over the years. He is also the current Head of Football for Fiji’s Kaiviti Silktails.
Now, it was his turn with Solomone, who he coached from U11s to SG Ball Cup at the Western Suburbs Magpies.
“We were very honoured to be able to present Solomone his jersey at Wests Tigers on Saturday. It meant the world to our family,’’ Joey said.
“But being here today, to see him fulfil his dream as an NRL player, is just very special.
“Watching him grow from a young boy to the man he is now…we are so proud.
“I coached Solomone, but there comes a time where, as a father, and as a coach too, you’ve got to break the shackles and let them go.
“Solomone has gone about it his way. I’ve just backed off and been watching and supporting him as a Dad. I couldn’t be prouder.
“To see him get two tries, that was awesome. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the win; I would have loved that…he loves it at Wests Tigers and being around the boys. I’m just overwhelmed.”
Moments earlier, Joey managed to share the occasion with his daughter, Jamaica, via Facetime, who watched her younger brother’s debut from London.
As for the man himself, Solomone, well, it was one of those 'pinch me' moments 21-year-olds can only wish for.
“I dreamed last week that I was going to score a try. For it to happen, oh my God,’’ Solomone said.
“When I dived over from the pass from Api (Koroisau), I was more geed up than anything. To get one try was great, but two. Wow.
“When I looked at the crowd, it was just a sea of faces…from my Mum, Dad, grandparents, to even my mates who rocked up unexpectedly.
“It means so much to my family. My Dad has always been there for me. He’s taught me right from wrong. I can't be more grateful.
“When I saw the t-shirts they made, I was just shocked. Mum got them done. It blew me away.
“I've been at Wests Tigers for a few years now and the boys kept me afloat through it all. I’m grateful to them for bringing me in as a 'brother'.
“I’m just glad to have finally got the NRL debut done. Hopefully there are many more games to come.”
