Runaway Bay forward Andrew Vela has grown hair for five years in honour of Mosese Fotuaika

THERE is a touching story behind the long, braided hair of local rugby league ace Andrew Vela as his team prepare for grand final glory this weekend.

THERE is a touching story behind the long, braided hair of Runaway Bay rugby league ace Andrew Vela.

“When I was down in Sydney with the Wests Tigers, my mate passed away there,” the 25-year-old explained.

“We were growing our hair at the time so when he passed away I thought I would just keep growing it for him.

“It’s a late memory for him.”

It was back in early 2013 that Vela’s mate Mosese Fotuaika – the older brother of boom Gold Coast Titans rookie Moeaki Fotuaika – took his own life.

Mosese Fotuaika with Andrew Vela.

The pair were making strides at the Wests Tigers, having been high school proteges at Keebra Park.

Vela eventually returned to the Gold Coast, spending time at the Burleigh Bears before linking up with Runaway Bay ahead of last season.

On Sunday, he and his Bay teammates will be out to avenge their 2017 grand final loss to the Bears when they meet Tweed Heads in the title clash at Pizzey Park.

Many feel the left-side second-rower still has what it takes to play at higher levels but Vela is more than happy teaming up with friends in Bay colours.

Vela is tackled by Currumbin defenders during the Rugby League Gold Coast grand final qualifier at Galleon Way. Picture: Supplied

“I’m happy where I am. A few of my close mates are playing here at the club,” he said.

His availability for the grand final had appeared in doubt in July when he re-fractured his ankle in his first game back from a two-month injury layoff.

He finally returned in week one of the finals but, given his lack of match fitness, was delighted to score an extra week of preparation time for the decider after Bay pipped Currumbin in the grand final qualifier.

Vela training at the Wests Tigers in 2014. Picture: Getty Images

“Winning that last game against Currumbin was a big boost. It was an ugly win but we got through it,” Vela said.

As for his hair, don’t expect to see his trademark locks gone any time soon.

“Oh, I don’t want to cut it. I like it actually,” he said.

“I just braid it back when I play. There’s been a few times (when players have pulled my hair) but they have said sorry straightaway so that’s all right.”