Esene Faimalo unsure of his rugby league future

Press, 14 September 1989, Page 44

Esene Faimalo unsure of his rugby league future

By

JOHN COFFEY

Esene Faimalo, a regular member of New Zealand rugby league squads for the last two seasons, has no clear vision of where his football future lies. ' I : ' -

But Faimalo has notified his Sydenham club that he is keen to play in the promotion-relegation match against Kaiapoi at the Addington Show Grounds on Sunday, part of his preparation for the Kiwi tour to Britain and France.

“I might lack a bit in match fitness," admitted Faimalo, whose last appearance was for the Balmain reserves in Sydney late last month.

Faimalo was disappointed with the amount of ' playing time he received at the powerful Balmain club, but has no regrets that he accepted the chance of a “rookie” season in Sydney.

Balmain, which has qualified for the first grade grand final, boasts a forward pack with five ft

internationals, Ben Elias, Steve Roach, Paul Sironen, Bruce McGuire and Wayne Pearce. • ’ It was ironical that when Roach, Sironen and McGuire were touring New Zealand and Elias was injured, one of ‘the probable replacements, Faimalo, was warming the Kiwi reserves’ bench for all three tests.

“I think it was a shame I didn’t get a run for the Kiwis, but I would rather be in ' the New Zealand squad than have played a few first grade games for Balmain and been dropped again when the tour had ended,” said Faimalo. “What lies ahead prob? ably depends on the tour to Britain and France.” Faimalo’s only action in a Kiwi jersey was as a replacement against Papua New Guinea last year. He has been a reserve for four other tests. The usual qualifying guideline for an overseas release is six tests. “I could apply for a clearance and they might take note that I’ve sat on the bench for two years,” he said.

In the meantime, Faimalo reverts back to Sydenham under the terms of his "rookie” contract.

Faimalo discovered in Sydney that reserve grade football is far from second rate. One of his

most memorable ettorts was against a Brisbane Broncos side which included three former Australian internationals, while it was customary for top players to resume in the reserves after injury or form fluctuations. But Faimalo, whose twenty-third V birthday , coincides with the Kiwi ■ match against Bradford Northern on October 11, found some tactical decisions confusing. “Against South Sydney I was going really well, busting their defence. We were leading 14-2 at halftime and they took me off, saying it was my turn.

“I showered and went home. Later I heard on the radio . the match ended in a 14-14 draw. That’s no way to win,” said Faimald.

Below a peak of match fitness or not, Faimalo can be assured that his Sydenham coach, David Field, has every intention of making full use of his talents on Sunday.