NRL late mail: Queensland mum’s remarkable 36-hour trip for son De La Salle Va’a’s debut

The mother of Sydney Roosters young gun De La Salle Va’a has made a remarkable 36-hour trip from Mt Isa to Homebush to be in the stands for her son’s NRL debut on Friday night.

The mother of future Roosters star De La Salle Va’a has travelled an extraordinary 36-hours to watch her son make his NRL debut.

In a beautiful story of dedication, Doctor Alma Va’a left her medical practice in a remote community outside of Mt Isa in Queensland last Wednesday to be at Accor Stadium on Friday night.

Va’a, the towering Queensland under-19’s prop, will achieve his first grade dream from the interchange bench against the Rabbitohs.

19-year-old Va’a’s father Paul will also be in the crowd.

De La Salle Va'a will make his NRL debut for the Roosters on Friday night. Credit: NRL Images.

The 114kg giant is widely-regarded across the game as one of the most promising teenager’s in the country.

“The staff told me about De La Salle’s mother travelling from outside Mt Isa for the game and it’s just beautiful that he has that support from his mother and father,’’ Roosters chairman Nick Politis said.

“We have a lot of hope for him as a player at the Roosters.’’

Such is the belief in his talent from the Roosters, Va’a recently re-signed with the club through until the end of 2027.

Originally published as NRL late mail: Queensland mum’s remarkable 36-hour trip for son De La Salle Va’a’s debut