Family means everything to Salford Red Devils centre Junior Sa’u.
In his fifth season in Super League, after a career in the NRL with Newcastle and Melbourne, the Sa’u has become a cult hero at Salford. The fans have taken to this stocky, hard-working outside back, best known for pulling off big hits and scoring tries, to their heart. But few know of the deep pain Sa’u went through during the off-season that is now driving him on.
While Sa’u was working in the UK getting his body right for another arduous Super League campaign, his family on the other side of the world suffered two big blows. In the space of a week in between Christmas and New Year the 30-year-old’s grandmother and his cousin both suddenly passed away. Right in the middle of pre-season training, Sa’u was unable to return for their funerals.
“It was tough for my family,” he tells The Sportsman.
“It sort of hurt me because I couldn’t go back with pre-season. But this season I’ve really dedicated this season to them, and I hope I’m doing them proud.”
Sa’u has certainly hit the ground running for Salford in 2018. He has played every game, scored three tries, set four others and averages 2.58 tackle busts a match. He impressively leads the Red Devils in try assists, carries and metres made, an outstanding return for a centre.
“I’ve started well,” the centre says.
“The biggest thing for me is being consistent week-in-week-out. As long as I keep focused and get my job done for the team, as long as I do that I’m doing my part.”
Modest and humble, the Kiwi of Samoan heritage is one of the most dependable, and also long-serving, members of Salford’s squad.
“I’m committed here and every time I put the Salford jersey on I give it 100%. Regardless win or lose, as long as I walk off the field knowing I’ve given my all. But I’m enjoying my footy at the moment, the older I get the better I get.”
On Friday he scored after just 90 seconds against Wakefield, helping kick-starting a one-sided win. He was also part of a dominant defensive life that pressured Trinity all night long.
“It was a great team performance,” Sa’u says.
“It took some time to click, but as long we’re improving each week as a team and as individuals. That was one of our best performances, considering we lost Robbie [Lui]. Our forwards stepped up and laid the platform. We pride ourselves on our defence and from 1 to 17 I thought we turned up with that attitude that we were willing to turn up for each other, which we showed tonight."
Little was expected from Salford this campaign after the departure of their benefactor Marwan Koukash and several key players. There is not much money to go around for new signings. But while as long as they have individuals like Sa’u in their ranks, then the club’s future is bright.
A married father of two young children, everything he does is for his family. They are his driving motivation. Every time he takes to the field they are never far from his thoughts.
“I don’t listen to what people say,” Sa’u says.
“We’re sweet as a team and as a club, we know what we need to do and it’s good that we showed it [against Wakefield]. In the Polynesian culture we’re big on family. I know my cousin and grandmother are looking down on me and hopefully I’m doing them proud.”
