Bright future: Corey Norman, Chris Sandow and Tepai Moeroa of the Eels celebrate after Sandow's try on Friday. Photo: Getty Images
He has been described by none other than Peter Sterling as being "as good as any young forward that has come through in the last decade", but Parramatta teenager Tepai Moeroa has his eyes set on Olympic gold as well as the blue and golds.
It has taken just 10 NRL appearances for Moeroa to announce himself as one of the most promising prospects in rugby league. However, his talents extend to a number of different sporting pursuits, including rugby union and track and field disciplines discus and shotput. Despite focusing exclusively on league in recent times, the 19-year-old still holds many shotput records and is ranked third in Australia for under 20s. Moeroa is hoping to juggle both his sporting passions with a view to standing on the podium at Rio in 18 months.
"I'm aiming for the Olympics," Moeroa said.
"I'm going to start training up again soon, so hopefully it all works out. It's doable, nothing is impossible. It's definitely the goal."
With the NRL season under way, it's unlikely Moeroa will have the time to divert much of his attention to track and field. However, the Newington College product wants to put together a strategy to ensure he qualifies for the biggest sporting event in the world.
"We haven't had a look at it yet," he said. "I'll sit down with my coach and look at what's coming up, what we can do and what to aim for."
Sterling, not one for hyperbole, gave Moeroa the ultimate compliment at the club's season launch.
"I don't like to put expectations on players but Tepai Moeroa is as good as any young forward that has come through in the last decade," Sterling said.
It's the sort of rap that could go to one's head but the 111kg, 190cm back-rower was humbled by the praise.
"It's an honour, especially coming from a legend of the club like him," he said.
"I appreciate the words he said."
Is it unnecessary pressure?
"It's encouragement," he said.
"It's him saying where he thinks I'm at and where I could be. It gives me something to strive to."
Moeroa was forced from the field during Parramatta's big win against Manly at Pirtek Stadium because of a shoulder problem. He said it was only "precautionary" and expected to be fit for his side's next blockbuster, against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.
That he has achieved so much in league already is extraordinary given he predominantly played union growing up. The Eels moved quickly to sign him up on a three-year deal to thwart Super rugby poachers, including the Waratahs and Chiefs.
"That's the beauty with him, he's still learning the game of footy," Eels coach Brad Arthur told Triple M.
"He's as tough as nails and his first priority is defence. A lot of the young boys coming through now, all they want to do is worry about what they want to do with the ball. His priority is defence, which is great to see."
Another goal for Moeroa is repaying his family. After coming to Australia via the Cook Islands and New Zealand, his parents struggled to make ends meet. However, their sacrifices have come off and now Moeroa wants to do his bit.
"I'm trying to buy a house, I'm still looking," he said.
"We found a few houses but the rooms are too small, we're looking for big rooms. We've got a big family, four brothers and one sister, plus all the cousins and aunties."
Replies
Great read, this kid is the real deal. He hits likes Mack truck, runs hard and has the attitude and motor to match. Will be playing for NSW and Australia within two years.
Craig, great blog.
It"s awesome to see Tep has ambitions and goals ahead that he wants to shoot for. Its the great drive to work hard that he has become accustom to growing up with a family struggling to make ends meet. Tep does not want to waste any opportunities that are before him and he is well grounded and appreciative to all that has helped him to get to where he is today.
Humbling to be recognized as "Good as any forward that has come through in the last decade" says a lot to the young man and his response, " appreciative and encouraged"!
I did not see the game but have read lots of blogs that speaks highly of Tepai and what he brings to the team. I am thankful to hear that his injury was a perceptional measure and thus replaced as to not cause serious issues. He seems to be ok and encouraged that he will play next week.
I love this kid. He brings a lot of joy to our family and he has opened up opportunities not only to himself but to young Cook Islanders, Parramatta and neighboring kids that you can have big dreams but you must lay out a plan on how to get there. I know Tepai means a lot to everyone here on 1 eyed eels, He is a special kid.
You should be very proud of him Lloyd, hopefully we all get to see him play out his entire career with the blue and golds.
Yes, I am very proud of Tepai. It would be great that he stays with Parra. It seems that this could be the turn around moment for Parra that we have been waiting so long for the Eels to return as a formidable champion club.
Agreed Lloyd, we are starting to assemble the squad especially if we nab Foran i really think besides McGuire BA is the best young coach in the game and the man to lead up back to the promised land.
Parra should kick the tin & buy Tepai's mob an apartment block....
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