Risk or reward the Esi way

When Northern United hosted Tawa in Round Six of the Swindale Shield they entered the Sammy Saili Memorial Trophy fixture having lost seven games on the trot to their fierce neighbourly rivals.

On April 21, Norths finally toppled Tawa 27-14 in a game Esi Komaisavai believes changed their season.

“When we beat Tawa in the Swindale Shield we moved up to third. We hadn’t beaten them for a long time, but when we did we thought we might as well try and go all the way,” Komaisavai says.

Six weeks later Komaisavai bagged a first-half hat-trick as Norths beat Old Boys University 50-45 to move into first place in the Swindale Shield, a position they preserved in the last round with a 64-36 crushing of Marist St Pats.

Norths have won 15 of their last 16 games. How does Komaisavai explain his incredible 40 minutes against the Goats?

“I didn't expect it to go so well, but the forwards set a great platform and I was lucky enough to run good support lines and get a couple of tries,” Komaisavai responds.

A length of the field intercept by Komaisavai was a pivotal movement.

“That was a risk or reward play. We were outflanked and if I didn't take the pass, it was going to be a try for them,” Komaisavai reflects.

Risk or reward is a description that succinctly captures Norths audacious and expansive approach. Norths have scored 107 tries this season, 39 of them have been scored by the forwards.
Komaisavai has scored 10 tries in 12 games, but disaster struck in the second-half of the OBU thriller.

“I went in for a tackle and got cleaned out by their number eight. I couldn't lift my left arm and tried to play on, but it was hopeless. I was gutted when the doctor told me it was fractured on Monday,” Komaisavai laments.

In Komaisavasi’s absence, Norths employed the services of Mike Teofilo and Tom Finai. Komaisavai is full of praise for both halfbacks.

“Mike is real experienced and Tom did a great job. We've got a lot of depth and I think that's one of the main reasons for our success.”

History suggests the performance of the halfback will be vital in settling the Jubilee Cup final. When Norths won for the first time in 2004, a brilliant try by eventual Manu Samoa scrum half Lua Vaoloaloa was the telling difference in the 20-18 scoreline.

Vaoloaloa in 2006 along with Nick Risdon (2007), Peter Sciascia (2009), TJ Perenara (2010) and Steven So’oialo (2013) are the halfbacks to have won the Jim Brown Memorial Medal as player of the final. Can Komaisavai join this elite club?

“I don't mind where I play as long as I can help the team get the W then that's all I'm worried about,” Komaisavai answered.

Norths beat OBU 13-10 on a heavy track at Nairnville Park in the Jubilee Cup, a spectacle almost the complete opposite to the first round meeting. What can we expect on Saturday?

“I think it'll be a mixture of both, but if we stick to our systems and treat it like another game then I'm confident we can win,” Komaisavai.

The Billy Goats will be without Tomasi Palu for the decider. The two-time Jubilee Cup winner, capped three times by Tonga, was forced to retire earlier in the season with a neck injury. Komaisavai concluded by paying tribute to Palu.

“I can remember Tomasi coming out to Western Bays when I was in the Under-16s to help coach. He's been a great mentor to many halfbacks. It’s a shame he had to retire. He had a great career and is admired by all of us.”

Jubilee Cup final: Northern United v Old Boys University, Saturday 2.30pm at the Petone Recreation Ground.