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Shifting the furniture
Friday, August 14, 2009
Setaimata Sa is like that couch in your lounge room that could go anywhere but you are never quite sure where it looks best.
In the centres, backrow or maybe the halves is his best fit.
Ask the 22-year-old and he will tell you that he is “just happy to be in the 17” each week.
A diplomatic response perhaps, although it is with that attitude which has seen the New Zealand international fixture in all 18 games he has been available for this season.
He is a man Brad Fittler can rely on to slot into any position wether it is planned or not.
“Sa is a real talent,” Fittler said.
“There is no doubt he has a big future in the game and at the Roosters. He signed a long term deal last season and he is a real asset out there.
“He has still got a lot to work on in his game but overall his ability to slot wherever you need him is second to none. He’ll get the job done across many positions,” he said.
Sa had a stint in halves this season, popped up in the centres, played a bit at lock and this week will feature in the second row.
Last season he also proved handy off the interchange bench, however, cementing a spot in the starting side was his goal for 2009.
“I just wanted to get more involved,” the quietly spoken Samoan born Kiwi said.
“I don’t mind playing wherever the coach wants me to be but I wanted to start this season. I trained pretty well in the preseason and so far I’m happy to be playing each week.
“I like getting my hands on the ball so probably five-eight or in the backrow is where I like best. There is a lot of competition out there so you have to be at your best to play where you want,” he said.
The competition for spots has dwindled during the year after several starting players suffered season ending injuries.
But returning to the international scene has been another goal to reach for and Sa is halfway there after being named in the Kiwis preliminary 45-man Four Nations squad.
“You always have something to play for,” he stated.
“We probably haven’t been pushed for positions over the last couple of months with all the players missing from key positions. It is still competitive and we know no one is safe.
“Knowing you won’t play finals doesn’t change much. We still have motivation to send Fitzy and the other boys out on a high.”
well that does me!!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Setaimata Sa is like that couch in your lounge room that could go anywhere but you are never quite sure where it looks best.
In the centres, backrow or maybe the halves is his best fit.
Ask the 22-year-old and he will tell you that he is “just happy to be in the 17” each week.
A diplomatic response perhaps, although it is with that attitude which has seen the New Zealand international fixture in all 18 games he has been available for this season.
He is a man Brad Fittler can rely on to slot into any position wether it is planned or not.
“Sa is a real talent,” Fittler said.
“There is no doubt he has a big future in the game and at the Roosters. He signed a long term deal last season and he is a real asset out there.
“He has still got a lot to work on in his game but overall his ability to slot wherever you need him is second to none. He’ll get the job done across many positions,” he said.
Sa had a stint in halves this season, popped up in the centres, played a bit at lock and this week will feature in the second row.
Last season he also proved handy off the interchange bench, however, cementing a spot in the starting side was his goal for 2009.
“I just wanted to get more involved,” the quietly spoken Samoan born Kiwi said.
“I don’t mind playing wherever the coach wants me to be but I wanted to start this season. I trained pretty well in the preseason and so far I’m happy to be playing each week.
“I like getting my hands on the ball so probably five-eight or in the backrow is where I like best. There is a lot of competition out there so you have to be at your best to play where you want,” he said.
The competition for spots has dwindled during the year after several starting players suffered season ending injuries.
But returning to the international scene has been another goal to reach for and Sa is halfway there after being named in the Kiwis preliminary 45-man Four Nations squad.
“You always have something to play for,” he stated.
“We probably haven’t been pushed for positions over the last couple of months with all the players missing from key positions. It is still competitive and we know no one is safe.
“Knowing you won’t play finals doesn’t change much. We still have motivation to send Fitzy and the other boys out on a high.”
well that does me!!
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