Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e says that his son's success in the Betfred Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers has played a key role in him playing on in the 2023 Betfred Championship with Sheffield Eagles.
The former Samoa international is back permanently with the Eagles, with whom he spent the 2022 campaign on loan and previously spent six years with after coming over to the UK in 2011, making over 200 appearances.
Now at 38, he is still as motivated as ever to play the game but admits that the inspiration comes from his son, Phoenix, who is making a name for himself in the Super League with Hull KR to such an extent that he was recently handed a new two-year deal at Sewell Group Craven Park. Like his father, Phoenix plays as a full-back, and Quentin is embracing the added family competition.
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The 38-year-old tells The Sportsman: “I think some of carrying on playing has got to do with my son. He’s playing for Hull KR right now and that’s a bit of motivation. I guess it’s just me being competitive.
“As long as I’ve still got that competitiveness in me and my body’s fine, I’m going to keep giving it a crack until the wheels fall off."
The former Toronto Wolfpack star adds that he takes so much pride in his son's accomplishments and that Phoenix fully merited the new contract with Hull KR.
"I’m so proud of him. Especially being a father who’s come through the system and played rugby. He had one more year and he’s been rewarded for what he’s done in training with his extension.”
The veteran 'QLT' has been relishing his return to the club where his journey in England began, particularly when he’s at the closing stages of his career.
“I spent six years here when I moved over from Australia. They looked after myself and my family so to be able to go back there and play for Sheffield is massive. I always wanted to go back and try it in my career so I’m quite proud.”
The Eagles bounced back from a 26-18 defeat away to the Halifax Panthers with a 36-16 victory on the road against Barrow Raiders last weekend in their second Betfred Championship game of the season. They will play their first home match of the campaign on Friday evening when they welcome Batley Bulldogs, who were shocked by Swinton Lions last time out.
