Source: Radio New Zealand
Funaki performing a Randy Orton style celebration after scoring a try. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Taufa Funaki’s rugby career was almost over before it started.
Six years ago, when he was a highly-touted young halfback on the cusp of his first Super Rugby season, Funaki suffered a concussion so severe he believed it would force him from the game.
“I had a pretty bad head-knock a few years ago [2020]. It took me a long time to get back and for a while I didn’t think I was returning to rugby, but I was pretty lucky with the support I got.”
The electric halfback said he battled serious symptoms which left him unable to do basic tasks.
“They were big headaches that got to a point where I had to learn how to read and write, it got that deep. I couldn’t be in, or see light and stuff. It just really irritated me. I think overall it took about five, six months for me to get back to training. So yeah, it just showed me how important it was for me to be grateful for what I had, because just like that, it felt like everything was gone.”
Funaki just 20-years-old and not long out of Sacred Hart College when he got concussed in an NPC game for Auckland.
Funaki was co-captain of the Sacred Hart First XV. Photosport
“Being that young, I had just debuted for Auckland, done a pre-season for the Blues, so there’s that big mental doubt because I’d never faced anything that big before, adversity in terms of my career,” he said.
“I think I grew a lot out of it. It matured me quite early and I now want to make the most of this opportunity I have to be a rugby player. There was that mental battle, but I think if anything, it made me stronger.”
However, Funaki said he is fully fit and no longer impacted.
“There’s no worrying getting into a game. I’m back and I’m ready to go.”
Funaki has long been locked in a three way fight for the Blues number nine jersey since his debut in 2021.
He has often sat on the bench as backup to Sam Nock or Finlay Christie.
Despite the competition, Finaki said the trio share a close bond.
“We’ve got a really tight group of nines. Offering advice, always finding ways to help me out, especially in my early years. We’re just there for each other whether or not we’re playing.”
Funaki has again been named on the bench for the Blues home clash against newest rivals Moana Pasifika on Sunday afternoon.
“We’ve obviously got a lot of friends in there that we’ve come up with through the grades. We know that they’re big boys and we have got to front up or they’ll punch you right in the face. They’re no easy task.”
Funaki scores a try against the Highlanders. Photosport
Funaki admitted there was a unique rivalry with Moana, being the only sides that share a region in Super.
“I see some funny stuff over the media and all that, but yeah, I guess so. It’s a little bit of a rivalry.”
A proud Blues man, Funaki never envisioned himself playing for any other franchise.
“I grew up here in Auckland. So Blues and Auckland rugby player through and through. I grew up watching the likes of Joe Rocks (Rokocoko) George Moala , all guys like that who’ve just been Blues men. I found my spot here and this is something that really means a lot to me.”
However, there is interest from overseas to secure his signature.
“There has been a bit of interest elsewhere. If it was an ideal situation, I’d be in the Blues forever. But obviously other things come up and as you get older, I feel like as I’m growing up a bit, there’s a few other decisions that need to be made as well and other things taken into account. But, right now I’m a Blues player and I hold a tonne of pride putting this jersey on.”
Funaki is eligible to represent both New Zealand and Tonga. Photosport
Of Pasifika heritage, Funaki will be eligible to represent both New Zealand and Tonga.
“If it came to it. The possibility of playing for Tonga is definitely there for me. I’d be just as proud of being there and representing my family and heritage. But yeah, whether it’s a black jersey, a red jersey or a blue one, I just want to do the jersey justice wherever I get the opportunity.”
Funaki has endeared himself to fans through his love of pro wrestling, even performing a Randy Orton style celebration after scoring a try.
“I found a lot of fun in that growing up and I think now a few of us in the team, we sort of play around with that stuff, it taps into us being kids again. I managed to pull out that Randy Orton a couple years ago, but that’s just me being like the kid again, just doing rugby at its purest form and me just expressing myself.”
So, does he have more wrestling inspired celebrations up his sleeve?
“We’ll see. I just need to get over that white line first and we’ll see what comes out.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
