Cup to NRL graduate: Solomona Faataape
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Solomona Faataape was always meant to wear the orange and black.
The Easts Junior has been named to make his NRL debut on Saturday, running out in the centres for the Wests Tigers against the Canberra Raiders.
But the 23-year-old Brisbane-born talent has always been a Tiger – first in his junior playing days then coming through the representative pathways with the Brisbane Tigers, playing in Cyril Connell Cup and Colts.
He made his Hostplus Cup debut in 2021 and played three seasons for the Tigers at that level, culminating in a premiership victory last season.
For Brisbane Tigers coach Matt Church, it is thrilling to see how Faataape has progressed through the ranks to make his NRL debut.
“We’re incredibly proud of Sol,” Church said.
“He’s an Easts junior, came through the club and cut his teeth in our lower grades and junior rep programs.
“I actually coached his brother when I coached the Colts. The family has been in and around the club for a long time.
“In my opinion, he was the best centre in the competition last year and we thought it would end in an NRL contract. It took a while to get that point but we got the call early in the new year.
“We’ve heard he was tracking well and putting himself in the frame for Round 1 so it was really good to see that team list come out on Tuesday (for Round 2).
“To see him track all the way through… to go down to the NRL… I’m just really happy for him. He’s very deserving of this opportunity.
“I’m filled with great pride.”
The Tigers’ Cup side formed close-knit bonds last season and Church said Faataape’s former teammates were talking about his promotion to the NRL at training on Wednesday.
Church said this is a reflection of the person and teammate Faataape was.
Last season was his best yet, making a huge impact for the Tigers as they pushed towards the grand final.
Throughout 2023 Faataape scored 16 tries, set up another 10 for his team, averaged 155 run metres a game and recorded 14 line breaks.
“On a personal level, he brings attitude and energy to the team,” Church said.
“He’s a really fun guy to be around, he was our DJ in the dressing room and he’d always have the music going to bring that energy.
“From a footballing aspect, he’s built low to the ground, has powerful hips, he’s quick. He scored 16 tries for us last year and half were from our own end.
“He’s also very good at putting at his winger away. He’s explosive.”
In unfortunate timing, Faataape and the Wests Tigers will kick off their NRL match at 2pm while Church and the Brisbane Tigers will kick off their Cup clash against the Northern Pride at 3pm on Saturday.
But they will be thinking of him as he begins his NRL career.
“I would have flown down to support him and let him know we’re still backing him,” Church said.
“But he’ll know that we’ll be there in spirit.”
