Fuifui Moimoi reveals how the Eels tried to cut him under Brian Smith
By Josh Massoud
October 03, 2009
First Fuifui Moimoi was almost duped into joining Melbourne Storm. Then his coach Brian Smith advised him to look elsewhere.
On the eve of Sunday's decider, Moimoi has revealed how he overcame twin attempts to oust him from Parramatta in the space of 12 months.
If not for a murky contractual dispute between the two grand finalists in late 2004, the NRL's most devastating front-row weapon would most likely be adorned in a Storm jersey and aimed straight at his current teammates.
Moimoi's manager at the time, Gavin Orr, sourced an offer from Melbourne, but the switch collapsed when it was revealed that the agent had forged Moimoi's signature on the letter of intent.
The following season, however, brought Moimoi face-to-face with the prospect of being pushed from within. Midway through 2005, Eels coach Smith didn't believe Moimoi's fitness and application to training was up to NRL standard.
He recommended the Tongan powerhouse look overseas for another opportunity and suggested the UK Super League would be a better fit. But when told of Smith's opinion, Moimoi lifted over the ensuing months and earned himself a contract extension with Parramatta.
He hasn't looked back since.
"It was a hard time for me and I didn't really know what was going on," Moimoi said.
"Brian Smith didn't want me. He thought I didn't train hard enough and I could've been better.
"It was tough to hear that I wasn't wanted at Parramatta, because I love the club. It made me want to improve and lift my game.
"I never wanted to leave here. I never wanted to go to Melbourne."
Moimoi's wife Vai confirmed the couple had never sighted any offer from the Storm, which was tendered after the Tongan prop had managed just four NRL appearances in 2004.
"I remember it really well because it was such a stressful time for us," Vai said.
"I clearly remember Gavin (Orr) signed the document -- not Fui.
"Gavin only spoke to us about going to Melbourne. We never saw any offers or documents. There's no way in the world Fui signed a thing.
"They said they were trying to do the best thing for the family, but Fui was very confused.
"He couldn't speak the best English at the time and has always been very trusting."
Despite Smith's reservations about his desire, Moimoi earned a new contract at Parramatta and has since flourished to become a terrifying prospect for opposition defences.
Incredibly, Moimoi is only playing on Sunday by virtue of an Australian Work Visa, which expires in four weeks.
Moves are currently under way for him to gain permanent residency status. The 30-year-old paid tribute to his closest family for inspiring a career-best form explosion during the finals.
Mother Manise, little brother Havea and son Sani have all been living in Moimoi's Fairfield apartment since round 25, after Eels officials organised their visit to Australia.
"Just having them all here really lifts me, because I know they are watching me closely at the ground," Moimoi said. "I don't want to let them down or upset them. I want to do my best for them."
