The most recent signing for the Dolphins, Tesi Niu is relishing the chance to make a fresh start this year after enduring a tough 2022.
Still young at 21 years of age, the talented outside back had to overcome many personal challenges last year that would test any person, losing his father early in the year and dealing with the emotion brought up by the devastating tsunami in Tonga.
On the field, it was also a difficult season, with a hamstring injury and a dip in confidence restricting him to only 10 games for the Broncos after featuring in 16 games for the club in 2021.
“Yeah, it was a tough year for me, but really, really grateful for opportunities I got at the Broncs, I got my debut, so, very thankful for that club, but a new journey begins here,” Niu told assembled media on Monday morning following the club's training session at Kayo Stadium.
“Just (with) everything going on in my life, so it wasn’t the best year for me ... (but it’s a) new start, fresh club.
“I’m settling in good, it's really good. The boys are really welcoming and they make it a lot easier for me.”
While many players have been drawn to the Dolphins by the appeal of working with head coach Wayne Bennett, for Niu, another major drawcard was the familiar face of assistant coach Kristian Woolf, who most recently oversaw Niu at the Rugby League World Cup.
“I was really close with Woolfy, been doing a lot with Tonga and him,” Niu said.
“He gave me my debut with Tonga, so have been really close with him and working with him a lot, so good to be working with him and to have him here.”
Woolf to set standards from day one
In his two games at the World Cup, Niu played fullback, prompting some questions about his preferred position and if he was looking to push expected custodian Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, but Niu said he simply wanted an “opportunity to prove myself and try and get a spot in that 17”.
“I'm happy playing anywhere, if things happen, I will fill in the team where I can,” Niu said.
“I’m training at centre at the moment, so just trying to do my best at that position and trying to nail it down and improve on what I need to be better at centre.
“(My goal this year is) to be consistent and play a full a season in the NRL … just to be better me, (and) I guess to find a lot of confidence in myself this year and just be really consistent.”
