In the spotlight: Taufa Taulani

Taufa Taulani knows the importance of making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

The 15-year-old forward came into the 2023 Cyril Connell Challenge season not expecting to make the Redcliffe Dolphins’ starting team.

But when injury struck not one, but both starting props, Taulani was handed the No.8 jersey for Round 1.

And as the competition enters the final two weeks, he has no doubt he has done everything possible to make his mark this season.

“They got injured and I got a shot to start,” Taulani said.

“I was coming off the bench (in pre-season) and I just did what I could off the bench. Then the next week I started.

“I just started playing consistent and I got a shot.

“I was kind of nervous and excited… I just wanted to try to play my best. I knew I could try for the spot.”

Taulani has now started every week for the Dolphins and will do so again in this Sunday’s clash with Burleigh Bears.

His coach, Chris Little, said while Taulani certainly was earmarked as an interchange forward before the season proper kicked off, what the coaching staff have quickly learnt about their young prop is that he always had a lot of potential within him.

“When we started the season he had a couple of Queensland front rowers in front of him,” Little said.

“For different reasons, they’ve picked up injuries and he’s taken it upon himself to work really, really hard on some fundamental parts of his game and has gone from strength to strength.

“We’ve tried to bring in different facets to his game… he’s one of those kids that’s a very, very good listener and quick learner. That’s why he’s been one of standouts.

“At the beginning of pre-season he would have known he had a few boys in front of him and he wouldn’t have played too many minutes in this campaign if it wasn’t for injuries but the opportunity came his way and he embraced it and surprised everyone.

“But I don’t think he surprised himself. He’s always had it in him and just needed that opportunity.”

Taulani started playing rugby league at the age of six and has always been with Redcliffe.

One of six boys, Taulani originally followed in the footsteps of his three older brothers but has continued playing the game for a love of the physicality and getting to be with his mates.