Joe Ofahengaue dedicated Bulldogs try to partner, who is battling cancer
JOE Ofahengaue normally dedicates all his tries to his beloved mum. But the young prop’s try against the Bulldogs last Thursday night, that four-pointer was for someone else.
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JOE Ofahengaue normally dedicates all his tries to his beloved mum.
But when the young prop crossed the line at a crucial point in the Broncos’ win over the Bulldogs last Thursday night, that four-pointer was for someone else.
The determination on his face as he barrelled under the goalposts was evident.
But there was more to that try than met the eye.
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It was for his high school sweetheart and long-term girlfriend, Sofi Leota, who that same week had undergone a mastectomy on her right breast to remove a tumour and lymph nodes for grade three invasive breast cancer.
She received the diagnosis late last month in a shock for the young couple, who have been together for seven years since meeting at Ipswich’s St Peter Claver College.
But Ofahengaue said Leota, 23, was proving to be his inspiration.
While they await the results of the operation, Ofahengaue said he was doing everything he could for his partner who had shown incredible strength in the past two weeks.
“I’m so glad I got a win for her, I’m so glad I got a try for her. I knew she’d be watching,” Ofahengaue said after Brisbane’s 22-20 defeat of the Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium.
“We’re there for each other all the time. It’s one of those things where I wish I could fight this battle for her but I obviously can’t.
“When we first found out it was tough, but she’s a very strong woman. I love her to death and I’ve always got her back. Whatever she needs me to do.”
Ofahengaue said Leota had also started up a blog to connect with people who had been through a similar battle or were currently on the same journey.
The pair are expected to receive the results from her mastectomy this week, and Leota is also documenting her experience with IVF as she prepares for her future.
Ofahengaue said the couple had received plenty of support from family, friends and his teammates to help them get through this time.
“Right now we’re just praying and hoping it’s not too bad,” he said.
“I’m just glad we have a lot of people who are there for us in times like this. In a way, I know we’re going to be stronger when we come out of this whole thing.
“She knows how much we love her and how much support she’s going to get through this whole thing.
“All the (Broncos) boys know now so they’re all behind us.
“Stuff like this shows we’re not just players. We also have a life out of footy and our stuff out of footy does affect what happens on the field.
“But if you have a strong base, a strong support system around you, it helps in a big way ... our family has been behind us the whole way.
“She’s really loved. She’s my best friend … I’ll be there for her.”
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