Growing up in Suva in his native Fiji, Sisa Waqa could only dream of donning the famous lime green jersey of the Raiders in the NRL just like his idol Noa Nadruku.
Today at Raiders HQ, the Raiders recruit not only got to meet his idol, but he also had the chance to present him with a Raiders Legacy jersey which features the name of the former try scoring machine and fellow Fijian Noa Nadruku, along with all Raiders from 1982-2013.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE RAIDER MAGAZINE FOR SEASON 2015
‘In the first issue of the Raider Magazine for season 2015, you can find out how it’s always been a dream of Sisa Waqa’s to follow in the footsteps of his idol and the man who played alongside his father before he became a cult figure in Canberra.’
RAIDER MAGAZINE ALSO AVAILABLE IN PLAY MAGAZINE DECEMBER ISSUE
Today’s meeting was the first between the pair, with Waqa having the chance to finally shake the hand of the man who he looked up to as a 10 year old boy growing up in Fiji.
“It’s a great honour to meet Noa and to have the chance to tell him how much his career with the Raiders inspired me to chase my dream and play in the NRL,” Waqa said. “Just knowing I’ll have the chance to wear the jersey which he once wore is a big thrill for me and my family.”
Waqa and Nadruku joined Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart as they reminisced about their time playing together in Canberra, with Nadruku excited to see another Fijian wearing the lime green jersey of the club where he won a premiership in 1994.
Noa Nadruku and Bradley Clyde with the 1994 Winfield Cup trophy
“It’s wonderful for me to meet Sisa and have the chance to talk to him about what it meant for me to play for the Raiders,” Nadruku said. “I know he’ll be a good player for the team next season and I wish him all the best for the season ahead.”
Find out about new recruits Sisa Waqa, Josh Hodgson, Iosia Soliola and Sam Williams in the first edition of the Raider Magazine for 2015.
The issue also includes information on Raiders Membership, Raiders Merchandise and the Trial match at Seiffert Oval in 2015.
You can read Issue 1 of the Raider online or through Play Magazine, a FREE publication available in the ACT region.
