England-bound Manu Ma’u has repaid Parramatta, the club he says helped save his life, by refusing to wear the colours of any other NRL side.
Ma’u, who was one of 15 regular first graders off-contract at the end of this season, attracted interest from at least three other clubs — including South Sydney.
“There was interest but I don’t want to play for anyone else,” Ma’u said.
“This club changed me. It’s getting quite emotional at the back end of the season now knowing we only have a few more games together, knowing it will be the last time I play for the club that has helped save my life.”
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Ma'u says he owes Parramatta a huge debt. Photo: Phil HillyardTwelve years ago, when he was 18-years old, Ma’u was sentenced to 22 months in jail for his part in a brawl in his hometown of Auckland.
The gang Ma’u was caught up with gatecrashed a birthday party, seeking revenge for the stabbing of one of its members.
Ma’u was released from prison in 2009 and worked as a labourer and painter to make ends meet. He also started playing park football for Richmond Bulldogs and Marist Saints in 2010.
The forward joined New Zealand Warriors feeder side, the Auckland Vulcans, in the NSW Cup in 2012.
But Ma’u’s criminal history meant he wasn’t able to play away games in Australia with immigration authorities denying him entry into the country.
It’s been a long journey for the Eels enforcer. Photo: AAP Image/Dan HimbrechtsThen in 2013, Eels coach Brad Arthur delivered a lifeline that would be the catalyst in helping change Ma’u’s journey forever.
Arthur wanted to bring Ma’u to Parramatta and was willing to take on the immigration department to make it happen.
After a year of trying, Ma’u was finally granted the visa required to play rugby league on Australian soil.
Ma’u told The Daily Telegraph he was destined for a life of crime if it wasn’t for Arthur’s determination to make the deal happen.
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“I’ve been at the club for six years, B.A. (Arthur) and Steve Murphy our assistant coach have been there for me since the moment I arrived at the club,” he said.
“B.A. was the one who have my debut and I’m forever in debt to him for doing that because I don’t know where I’d be without him.
“If he didn’t give me my debut, I’d still be in New Zealand up to no good.”
Ma’u, 30, said the Eels tabled an offer to extend his time beyond this season but a lucrative two-year deal from English Super League club, Hull FC, was too good to refuse.
Ma'u will be missed by the Eels. Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images“There was an offer there but just looking at the opportunity I got from England, it was offering more security,” he said.
“Brad was keen to have me, but I just told him this was a security deal for me and my family and he understood.
“He just said to me ‘you have to do what’s right for you and your family’ and that made me lean more to my England deal.”
Next on Parra’s to-do list. Photo: Phil HillyardParramatta’s next big retention target is boom playmaker Dylan Brown.
Brown, 19, isn’t off contract until the end of season 2020 but both parties are eager to finalise a deal that will keep him at the Western Sydney club.
“I’m confident of staying at Parramatta, Brad has said he looks at me as being this club’s long-term half and hopefully I can stay. I enjoy myself here and I have good relationships with the team and with all the coaching staff,” Brown said.
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