By Nick Wright
Valynce Te Whare warrants a shot at NRL redemption, former State of Origin enforcer Ben Te’o has declared, if the Dolphins’ cult hero fights for his future with premiership glory on the line.
The man nicknamed “Val Meninga” – thanks to comparisons with State of Origin legend Mal Meninga – will be out to prove he still has life at the top in Redcliffe’s Queensland Cup grand final clash with Norths Devils on Sunday.
The 24-year-old failed to add to his 12 NRL appearances in 2024 after being sent away for an individual fitness camp under renowned strength and conditioning trainer Mark “Chopper” Burgess.
Valynce Te Whare’s career at the Dolphins is at a crossroads as he comes off contract at season’s end.Credit: Josh Woning - J&A Photography
While blessed with raw attacking ability after being signed from New Zealand rugby union, Te Whare’s failure to adhere to NRL fitness standards has put his career at a crossroads.
The 108 kilogram wrecking ball has been damaging for Redcliffe – highlighted by his golden point exploits in a preliminary final win against the Northern Pride – and while he remains unsigned after 2024, Redcliffe coach Te’o believes his ability is NRL calibre.
However, the Queensland Maroons great said Te Whare’s second chance would hinge on his off-field habits.
“He can play NRL if he wants to, if he wants to dedicate himself [and] keep working towards his goal of being a great 80-minute defensive centre,” Te’o said.
“He’s got all the attributes. He’s taken a big step this year in maturing and understanding that the ball’s in his court if he wants it. I’ve seen some things in the last few weeks which tell me he’s starting to really get this game.
“Probably the amount of drive-through food places in the peninsula would be the first thing that held him back,” Te’o added, tongue in cheek. “It’s really about what he does at training, what he does away from here, and just that drive to work hard for 80 minutes.
“It’s been a big transition, but ... I don’t know many big men like that who move that fast. There’s something special about him.”
Te Whare looms as Redcliffe’s attacking linchpin come Sunday’s decider at Kayo Stadium, after fullback Trai Fuller suffered a ruptured ACL last week.
And he will come face-to-face with another man on the NRL periphery pushing for a contract extension.
Tesi Niu has featured just seven times in first-grade this year as the former Bronco comes off contract.
Fuller’s injury could be the unfortunate circumstance that Niu and Te Whare need to earn a reprieve and bolster the Dolphins’ depth.
Devils coach Dave Elliott was adamant Niu possessed the work ethic and class to add to his 56 NRL appearances.
“He’s consistently making 18 carries coming out of our end, and he’s such a threat with the ball,” Elliott said.
“It just says a lot about Tesi, he’s got all that attacking flare and ability, but he always bases his game on that work rate and the tough stuff.
“It [holds] him in good stead for NRL games.”
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