Lorina Papali’i, mother of Isaiah, realises rugby league dream on same day son plays NRL final
LORINA Papali’i is a proud mother, like any. She couldn’t wait to get in the stands to watch her son Isaiah, just weeks out from his 20th birthday, come off the bench in an NRL final. But realising a football dream? That’s hers.
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LORINA Papali’i is a proud mother, like any.
She couldn’t wait to get in the stands to watch her son Isaiah, just weeks out from his 20th birthday, come off the bench in an NRL final.
But realising a football dream? That’s hers.
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This was her dream. It was one that stretched back more than 20 years, pre-dating even the birth of her son.
“It’s a dream for the women!” Papali’i said.
“I had the dream. Playing from 1994 with Lui (Avaiki) up until 2010 with Lui and now she’s the (Warriors) coach. It was a dream for the women I played with. Our time.
“It’s cliché, but a dream come true for women’s league as well as not knowing and realising that this was ever going to happen in my lifetime.
“I’m grateful that I’m able to walk off the field as well.”
History-making in so many ways: the first women’s game, the competition’s first win, her being part of the first mother-son NRL combination. The two even wore the same number Warriors jersey on the same day at the same stadium.
With NRLW the norms have shifted. Mums can now be in the backyard giving their son pointers on their passing. Dads can direct daughters on tackling technique.
And Papali’i does watch her son play with a critical eye; an NRL final was to be no different.
“Yes, I do (give him advice). I’m ready to go watch him,” she said.
“He’s really good at receiving advice from me. He’ll take it from anyone, he’s a humble kid.
“You can always learn from everyone. Take it all in, try your best and put it into your game.”
Mother knows best.
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