Keebra Park remembers Mosese Fotuaika on eve of PBC clash

A heartbreaking death still lingers with Keebra Park ahead of their latest Langer Cup match.

VETERAN Keebra Park coach Glen Campbell has been involved in more of the school’s famous grudge matches with rivals Palm Beach Currumbin than most.

One match stands clear as his favourite above all others.

In 2009 an unheralded Keebra Park outfit stunned reigning national champions PBC 13-6 at Pizzey Park.

At the heart of the upset was a quiet young Kiwi forward named Mosese Fotuaika.

Campbell described Fotuaika as the glue that held the Keebra pack together as they marched on to their own national title, the first in the school’s history.

ARL Schoolboy Cup at Suncorp Stadium , Keebra Park v The Hills , Keebra Park Mosese Fotuaika

Three years, six months and 22 days later, Mosese Fotuaika took his own life after suffering an injury that would have ruled him out of the Wests Tigers’ 2013 NRL season.

Rugby league in Australia, especially at Keebra Park, would never be the same.

Fotuaika’s death triggered a re-evaluation of the sport’s culture as stigmas surrounding mental heath were dragged into the light.

“Many years ago it was swept under the rug,” Campbell said.

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“It was a warrior sort of thing, you didn’t talk about injuries, you hid them - not just physical but mental injuries too.

“To express yourself was seen as soft.

“We’ve made massive moves forward (in that regard) but there are still major issues with mental health across society.

“If there’s any possibility of helping to improve that I’m happy to support it any way I can.”

Mental health support is now as important at Keebra Park as time in the gym, with confidential sessions with school nurses and mental health professionals all designed to help students improve their mental wellbeing.

Fotuaika kept his demons to himself, a tragedy that Keebra Park is desperate to help change for future generations of students.

“He was a brave kid,” Campbell reflected.

ARL Schoolboy Cup at Suncorp Stadium , Keebra Park v The Hills , Keebra Park Mosese Fotuaika

“He was never the life of the party, never spoke too much, but he took no nonsense and led by example.

“He was scared of nobody and wanted to lay the groundwork for the rest of his team.

“He was never going to be a star but he relished hard work and he was destined to have a lengthy career in the NRL.

“To be so young and have this happen, that is a tragedy.”

Campbell said Fotuaika’s legacy at Keebra Park lived on and that his family, including his younger brother and former student Moeaki, who now plays for the Titans, would always be held in high regard.

“We will always remember him as a footballer, what he achieved and how he helped the school and the impression he made here,” the coach said.

“We loved having Mosese around and once a Keebra student, always a Keebra student.

“The boys feel that way and they believe it.”