‘Incredible Skill’: Sualauvi Fa’alogo Halls in Latrell Mitchell’s High Kick with Eyes Shut, Then Takes Off

When Sualauvi Fa’alogo reeled in a towering bomb from Latrell Mitchell, seamlessly navigated through a flurry of scrambling Rabbitohs defenders, sprinted 50 metres straight down the heart of Accor Stadium, and sent Tyran Wishart away for a try, viewers were left astounded by the young Storm dynamo.

However, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of that game-changing moment wasn’t immediately visible to the casual observer, apart from the startled South Sydney defenders closing in as he tracked the errant ball.

“To be honest, I just shut my eyes and put my hands up,” Fa’alogo remarked after Saturday night’s match, “and then I noticed the space and decided to go for it.”

One would assume that Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was unaware during his press conference that Fa’alogo had caught the ball with his eyes shut.

Nevertheless, the seasoned coach pointed out that Mitchell’s kick was “one of the most challenging kicks to take all night”.

“And he nailed it,” Bellamy noted.

Fa’alogo, who is currently playing as a winger for the Storm but is expected to transition to a long-term NRL fullback role, elaborated on the play in an interview with Wide World of Sports beneath Accor Stadium.

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Melbourne edged past South Sydney 25-24 in golden point, thanks to a field goal from Ryan Papenhuyzen.

“That was an excellent kick from Mitchell. It was quite high,” Fa’alogo noted.

During the match, the Storm were behind 20-18 when Mitchell launched the ball high into the Sydney sky.

Once Papenhuyzen converted Wishart’s try, Melbourne pulled ahead 24-20 with just under 10 minutes remaining.

In a match ultimately decided by a single point, Fa’alogo’s unexpected play proved to be hugely significant.

Born in Samoa, Fa’alogo is one of the few products of Victoria’s junior rugby league system and has focused on bringing his backyard footy flair into the professional arena.

“That was my focus as I progressed — whenever I make a break, I aim to play eyes-up footy, scanning my surroundings to see who’s available. That was one of my key focuses,” he explained.

Before making the switch to rugby league with Northern Thunder, a Melbourne-based club, Fa’alogo dabbled in Aussie Rules as a young child.

He secured a development contract with the Storm in 2021 and was recognised as Melbourne’s Feeder Player of the Year in both 2022 and 2023 while starring for the Sunshine Coast Falcons.

In a bold show of confidence in his potential, Melbourne awarded him a five-year contract extension before last season, ensuring his affiliation with the club until 2028.

“He may be small in stature, but he is exceptionally talented, especially with his speed and footwork,” Bellamy observed following Saturday night’s match.

“While he might not be the most seasoned rugby league player due to his AFL background, I truly believe he will continue to improve as he gains a deeper understanding of the game and his own capabilities.”

“But with his pace and ability to change direction, he can perform feats like what he did tonight.”

With Storm legend Billy Slater in his corner, Fa’alogo arguably has the finest fullback in history mentoring him.

“When he comes in, I make sure to ask him questions and discuss what I should focus on in my game,” Fa’alogo shared.

“It’s surreal to see him. I grew up watching him, and it’s amazing to have him there to learn from. I’m really thankful.”

What kind of advice has Slater given him?

“He tells me to play with confidence, back myself, and to leverage my strengths,” Fa’alogo grinned.

“I’ve been watching some footage of Slater during his playing days and extracting elements from his game to incorporate into my own.”