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Nadolo no longer a tongue-twisting hulk - now he's just huge
ADRIAN PROSZENKO RH
November 15, 2009
NEMANI NADOLO didn't want to just make a name for himself in rugby, he wanted to honour his mother in the process.
Which is why the giant Fijian winger no longer answers to the name Ratu Nasiganiyavi.
The Waratahs might have lost Lote Tuqiri but the man most likely to replace him is his cousin. And to prove that family really runs deep, Nadolo recently changed over to his mother's maiden name.
''I'm blessed to be using my mum's name,'' Nadolo told The Sun-Herald. ''Hopefully I can make a name for myself and go from there. I'm excited about that.
''Mum and Dad split a few years ago and she's taken on the priorities of looking after me and my two younger brothers growing up.
''She's a big influence on my life.
''It's to give her a little thank you, make a name of it.''
He might no longer carry his father's name, but Nadolo wants to follow in his footsteps. Isei Nasiganiyavi was also a fearsome winger who played for the Queensland Reds. His son, who stands 195 centimetres tall and weighs 123 kilograms, was tipped to make his Super 14 debut for the Waratahs last year until a series of injuries ruined his season.
''My dad played for the Reds, I think in 1989,'' Nadolo said. ''Him playing there migrated our family over [from Fiji] and we're blessed that's happened. He played [for] the Reds on the wing. He's not as big as me, I guess. I must get my build from my mother's side.
''He was a good player. I'm trying to follow in his footsteps and make the family proud.''
Family is a central theme for Nadolo. The 21-year-old is hoping to make a name for himself - albeit a new one - in order to provide a better life for those closest to him.
''We Pacific Islanders have big families and we always help each other out,'' he said. ''Me [playing rugby] is to help the family out and make sure there is food on the table for my two younger brothers and my mum.
''They're my inspiration, my motivation to keep pushing on, that I'm there for them.''
Nadolo was a notable omission at Waratahs training this week. He was granted compassionate leave after his uncle, Mick Nadolo, died unexpectedly during the week.
''He played a big influence, too, when my parents split up,'' he said. ''This has affected all of us.
''I can't make it to Fiji and my mum is going to represent our family. I've come up [to Queensland] to be with the family during a tough time … It's a big loss for the family. It's going to be hard to go back to Sydney and get into the swing of things but I know we can overcome it.''
His new name is slightly easier to pronounce, but Nadolo is still just as difficult to stop on the football field.
Dubbed the next Jonah Lomu due to his ability to steamroll opponents, Nadolo recently switched from Randwick to Shute Shield rivals the Manly Marlins.
If he can stay out of the casualty ward, higher honours beckon.
''It's been a frustrating year with injuries,'' he said. ''I lost motivation there and self-belief. But I've bounced back and am raring to go now that I'm injury-free.
''I never gave up, I always believed and prayed. I'm a firm believer that when you get knocked down that you get up and keep pushing.
''I always felt there was going to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
''[Tuqiri's departure] could be a blessing in disguise, the door has been opened for me.
''There's still competition there but I can't wait. I'll do everything I can do.
''I'm only young. I'd like to think I've got a long time in the game.''
All respect his way for having the courage of his convictions, but I'm a bit at a loss as to why it involved also changing his first name?
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