Rabbitoh’s star collapses in emotional interview as he dedicates the team’s victory over Melbourne to his father: ‘It was tough… I just wanted to make him proud’
- Tevita Tatola pays tribute to deceased father
- Souths star said it was a ‘tough week’
- Souths defeated Storm 28-12 during Magic Round
South Sydney striker Tevita Tatola has paid an emotional tribute to his late father following his side’s 28-12 win over Melbourne to put the Rabbitohs on a five-match winning streak.
‘Junior’ Tatola, 26, dedicated South’s victory to his father Tevita snr, who passed away during the week after a long spell of ill health.
Tatola, who had a difficult upbringing with six brothers, was close to his father, who had diabetes and required dialysis three times a week.
“It’s been tough, but I know he would have wanted me to play tonight,” he told Nine’s Danika Mason after the game.
“I just wanted to make him proud. I appreciate all the support. Especially JD and all the coaching staff of the club.
Tevita ‘Junior’ Tatola pictured with his father Tevita Snr – who recently passed away. He dedicated South’s victory to him
“They have been behind me and my family all week. It’s just been a rough week. I love this club, love the boys.’
Mason told Tatola that she’s sure his dad would be proud of the way he played and the person he is.
“Thank you,” Tatola said.
The Souths prop then looked at the camera and gestured to the sky.
“I love you, Daddy,” he said.
From the start, Souths had the best of what was billed as the big game of Magic Round and could thank Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell for both their early advantage and final margin of victory on Saturday night.
South Sydney have beaten reigning premiers Penrith, Brisbane and the Storm up the ladder in the final wins of their five-game streak to deliver a warning shot to the premiership and put a lukewarm start to the season behind them once and for all to leave. all.
“It’s a good start, but that’s all,” said Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou.
Souths gag said he wanted to make his dad proud and appreciated all the club’s support during a ‘tough’ week
South Sydney have knocked out reigning premiers Penrith, Brisbane and the Storm on the ladder in the final wins of their five-match streak
Souths have established themselves as one of the best teams in the NRL this year
“It’s the start of the season we wanted, but there’s still a long, long way to go.
“If we keep thinking defensively, we’ll be a hard team to beat.”
It is encouraging to Demetriou that the Rabbitohs are still not at full strength and will only get more terrifying as forwards Keaon Koloamatangi, Shaq Mitchell and Siliva Havili return to fitness.
Melbourne, meanwhile, could be on the verge of losing a big man of their own – Nelson Asofa-Solomona appeared to aggravate his knee injury in a second-half tackle and ran off the field late.
In his 200th NRL game, Souths fan favorite Alex Johnston stabbed for a double, his first of a campaign so far dominated by Campbell Graham and the Rabbitohs’ right flank.
But the night belonged to Mitchell and Walker, at least one of whom had a hand in the first three tries that opened the Bunnies’ lead and ultimately sealed the result.
“Our key players are playing well at the moment and that’s what you want,” said Demetriou.