![rugby league player and his kids](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/unnamed-6.jpg)
Noa Fotu has been sidelined by injury but hopes to be back in action soon. Photo: Wagga Kangaroos RLFC.
The Fijian gentle giant Noa Fotu is a strapping winger who made the move to the Wagga Kangaroos in 2021 after helping Gundagai take the title in 2017.
One of the nicest guys in the game and a loving dad, Noa works as a mental health support worker at Flourish Australia.
Hanging out with the kids and watching the footy, and a couple of beers with the fellas now and then, are how the big fella likes to relax.
All footy supporters hope to see Noa back on the paddock soon, after he was sidelined early this season when his tricep was torn off the bone,
![rugby league action](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/341617329_1383994132394904_575394912485038799_n-1200x873.jpg)
Noa runs up the ball against his former Gundagai teammates. Photo: Wagga Kangaroos RLFC.
Where are you from and where did you first start playing footy?
I was born in Sydney, but grew up in Leeton. I played my first footy game for the Leeton Raiders.
Best footy memory?
My best footy memory would be being lucky enough to win a couple of premierships and also playing my first game in first grade.
Favourite player as a kid and why?
Being a Raiders supporter, my favourite player as a kid was probably Brett Mullins because of his speed and ability. (Mullins was the son of former Easts winger Bill Mullins and was regarded as the most exciting player in international football in 1994. Graded from Young, Brett Mullins debuted with the Raiders in 1990 as a gangly winger. Injuries cost him a place in the Raiders’ 1991 grand final team and again in NSW’s State of Origin team in 1993).
Favourite childhood meal you can remember?
Mum made a pretty good curry chicken.
Favourite ground to play on and why?
Favourite ground to play on is McDonalds Park because it’s our home ground and it’s always good to play in front of the home crowd. It’s one of the best grounds in the Riverina.
![rugby league action](https://regionriverina.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2023/07/341695138_244040734800187_259741388076003012_n-1200x800.jpg)
Noa hits the accelerator at McDonalds Park. Photo: Wagga Kangaroos RLFC.
Why should kids take up rugby league?
It develops their skills and gives them a great sense of being part of a community or a group.
Do you have a celebrity lookalike?
Esava Ratugolea from Geelong Cats.
What annoys you?
Bad drivers.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Back yourself.
On a car trip from the Region to Sydney, who would you NOT want in the passenger seat?
Larry the local Wagga larrikin.
Any person (dead or alive) you WOULD want in the passenger seat?
My little brother is not with us now, but wish he was.
Down to your last $20 – what would you spend it on?
Something for the kids.