“I actually looked up to that guy growing up. When I was younger, I looked up to him – so playing against him, that was good as” – Leka Halasima.
At only just 19 years old, Warriors young gun Leka Halasima is definitely making a name for himself in this year’s NRL season.
The Otahuhu Leopards junior first burst onto the scene in his debut in 2024 in round 18, but it’s his rise and continuous success this year that has got everyone talking.
His brilliance was evident in their matchup with the Tigers, where his solo length of the field try proved to be the difference on the scoreline. And adding another touch of class and style to the game, Halasima rocked his newly dyed blonde hair in last week’s win over the Cowboys.
Winger Taine Tuaupiki said of Leka, “I was actually watching his highlight reel from 2023, he was playing against the Tigers [SG Ball Cup] and he had his hair blonde then.”
“I was literally going to tell him that morning I thought he looked good with it, then he pulled his beanie off and had it.”
The 19 year old credited his coach Andrew Webster for his progress, for being able to believe in not only him but a few other youngsters in the club.
“He is backing us. Heaps of young boys coming up, especially good having Webby having our trust and us backing up the older boys that are injured,” said Halasima.
“We have just got to earn the trust and go after them
“How do I feel about my footy at the moment? I feel like I’m on the right track but I have got things to develop and practice and hopefully I nail that soon”
Last week’s matchup with the Cowboys was also a chance for Halasima to face up against his childhood hero Jason Taumalolo.
An important figure in the success of Tonga Rugby League in the past years, Halasima said that it was a great experience for him to go against his role model.
“I saw him in front of me and I was a bit panicky,” said Halasima.
“I actually looked up to that guy growing up. When I was younger, I looked up to him – so playing against him, that was good as”
And just like Taumalolo, the tongan born Halasima says that the goal will be putting on the red jersey for his home country.
“The goal is there to play for Tonga, but right now, I am just focused on my job and what I need to do for the team as well.
“That’s a goal. Get a premiership for the Warriors as well, first time, and see what happens after that, get picked or not, but still I’m growing.”
The Warriors take on the Dragons tomorrow night in Wollonglong Australia.
