Broncos fullback Tesi Niu opens up on the tragedy of his father’s shock death

Rising Broncos young gun Tesi Niu has opened up on his difficult start to the year on and off the field - and the family tragedy he’s carried with him all season.

Broncos Tesi Niu with his father who passed away suddenly

Embattled Tesi Niu has spoken of the pain of his father’s shock death and has vowed to overcome the tragedy in his bid to become the Broncos’ long-term fullback.

The out-of-form Niu faces the biggest test of his fledgling NRL career on Friday night when he braces for a high-ball bombardment from Nathan Cleary and red-hot Penrith on the premiers’ home turf at BlueBet Stadium.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters has warned Niu to expect to be targeted by bombs for the rest of the season after a series of nervous displays defusing high kicks in recent games against the Cowboys, Warriors and Roosters.

Niu must fire for the Broncos at a time when he is navigating the toughest period of his life. In January, he was rocked by the unexpected death of his father Fanitesi, a fitness fanatic who was just 48 when he passed away on the eve of the 2022 premiership.

In the days after Fanitesi’s passing, Niu wrote on social media: “Rest easy dad. Can’t stop crying. Wish I could say one more goodbye.”

Broncos

The 20-year-old admits the past two months have tested his mental resolve as he tries to cement the fullback spot at the Broncos.

“It’s been a really tough time for me,” said the deeply-religious Niu of his father’s tragic death.

“It wasn’t the way I wanted to start the season.

“It’s all in God’s hands. It’s God’s plan. I know my dad is up there looking down on me and I have his support from up there.

“It was a shock, but I am grateful for all the memories I had with him.”

Still mourning the loss of his dad, Niu then suffered another blow when he suffered a hamstring tear in pre-season training, costing him the Broncos’ No.1 jumper for Brisbane season-opener against Souths.

Tesi Niu has been struggling since the death of his father. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The rookie recovered quickly, but since his return against the Bulldogs in round two, Niu has struggled for his best form and has been particularly hesitant under the high ball, letting a number of towering bombs bounce.

Walters has such faith in Niu as a fullback he released Jamayne Isaako to the Titans a fortnight ago, but the Brisbane custodian admits he is having problems under the high ball and must stop the rot - starting against the Panthers.

“I need to keep some errors out of my game. The last few weeks have been tough,” Niu said.

“I felt I was better against the Roosters (last Friday night), I was busy but I need to get some improvement in the small areas of my game. I did some things that cost the team the potential to win the game.

“It’s little things like being confident in catching the high ball under fatigue. I need to improve under the high ball and I will go back to the drawing board this week.

“That’s definitely the area I need to get better at.

“Penrith is a massive test. They play the full 80 minutes and they are the best team in the comp, so we need to get our confidence back and fix up the little things or the Panthers will make us pay.”

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Fullback Tesi Niu faces a massive test against Penrith. (Photo by Dan Peled/Getty Images)

The nuggety Niu can play centre but is adamant he has the skill set to succeed in the Broncos’ No.1 jumper.

“I do feel fullback is my best position,” he said.

“I feel comfortable there and I will only get better. I am still learning a lot about fullback play and I won’t be complacent.

“It was hard because I didn’t play any trials with my injury, so I’ve had to find my form coming back from my hamstring and I know I will get better from here.

“I am dedicated to doing well. This happens in footy. Things don’t always go your way but I’m determined to get better.”

Niu has enlisted the help of former Broncos, Origin and Test fullback Darius Boyd to help with his backfield development. Walters warned Niu to brace for a Panthers barrage.

“Darius Boyd works with our outside backs on the catching side of things,” Walters said.

“It is a work in progress for Tesi. He is going to be a target now for a long time (under the high ball) and sometimes you don’t get it right on the field.

“Tesi will get better. There will be some mistakes and we accept that. It’s not easy playing in his position, but we love his attitude and his determination to get better.”

Originally published as Broncos fullback Tesi Niu opens up on the tragedy of his father’s shock death