Tai Tuivasa does a shoey with the Panthers grand final Eels Parramatta Penrith NRL Nathan Clearly
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The UFC’s biggest drinker and diehard Penrith fan Tai Tuivasa does a SHOEY with the Panthers in the barns in wild celebrations after the side’s dominant big final win
- UFC heavyweight star Tai Tuivasa does a shoey with Panthers after side’s win
- The diehard Panthers fan was cheered on by the team as he sipped a beer
- Tuivasa grew up in western Sydney and played junior football at the club
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Australian UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa loves nothing more than to do a festive shoey after a win in the Octagon, but a close second is to do one with the Penrith Panthers after a taste of NRL premiership.
There were wild scenes in Penrith’s dressing rooms on Sunday night after they became just the second club in the NRL era to win consecutive titles.
Music blared, champagne flowed and beer was emptied after Parramatta’s 28-12 beating at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Tai Tuivasa does a shoey with the Panthers after their premiership win over the Parramatta Eels on Sunday night. The UFC star has been a diehard supporter of the club since he played in the junior ranks of the Panther
In a video clip that appears on Instagram, Tuivasa can be seen in the barns with the Panthers team sipping a beer from someone’s shoes to the cheers of those around him.
The Sydney west local is more than just one of the club’s biggest fans – Tuivasa used to be a junior rep for the club and was tipped off as a future NRL star until he decided to become a professional fighter.
‘Bam Bam’ admits his mood in the paddock was not suited to rugby league.
“I was known for being sent away. Very often,’ he said.
“I also have a mouth on me and I tried to fight guys.
“I was an aggressive player. Trying to get hurt on tackles and running fast. If anyone wanted to fight, I was the first to come in.’
However, leaving the sport did not end the UFC star’s association with rugby league.
Tuivasa is still in close contact with many of the current players and he makes sure to watch all their matches wherever he is in the world.
Tuivasa (pictured wearing a shoey) has built a profile in recent years as one of the most popular stars in the UFC
He also feels connected to the people of Western Sydney and tries to help the community whenever he gets the chance.
“I’m so happy to see us win. Not just the team, but the west, standing up and showing where we come from,” he said Sportsnews.com after the 2020 season.
“Look, the younger guys get up and carry a whole team for a year. She repped where they come from and it makes me very proud.’