Stand Together: West Tigers Rising Star Samuela Fainu Discusses Family ‘Pact’

Samuela Fainu, the promising young player from the Wests Tigers, has shared insights into the “pact” made with his family following the imprisonment of their eldest brother, Manase, in 2022.

Once regarded as one of the most gifted up-and-coming athletes in rugby league, Manase, a former hooker for the Manly Sea Eagles, was convicted for stabbing another man at a church event related to an incident in October 2019. He received an eight-year prison sentence.

At that time, Samuela was still emerging from the Sea Eagles’ system and had not made his NRL debut. He transitioned to the Tigers last season, quickly establishing himself as a regular in the first-grade lineup.

Joining Samuela at the Tigers is his younger brother Latu and older brother Sione.

During a media session on Wednesday, the 21-year-old shared how the Fainu brothers coped with Manase’s challenges.

“We’ve stuck together,” Samuela remarked.

“When everything unfolded, we made a promise to continue pushing forward and not allow it to affect us.” 

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Samuela further revealed that the family, including his parents and Manase, would critique his performances after each match, reflecting on the valuable lessons he absorbed throughout his youth, particularly from his elder brother.

“We all do, mainly my brother,” he shared.

“He watches the games and provides feedback.

“I remember when he was preparing for his first-grade pre-season, we were only about 10 years old, and he was teaching us insights he had picked up.” 

It speaks volumes about the Tigers trio, who are collectively evolving into skilled NRL players, thriving despite the numerous challenges they have faced at such a young age.

Latu, who Samuela mentioned often triumphed in their childhood backyard competitions, recently encountered another injury setback and has had to undergo surgery on a broken thumb.

“I really feel for him,” Samuela expressed.

“He has endured so much over the last few years … my heart goes out to him.”