Here you mate better late than never.
Penrith District Rugby League: Shocked Windsor rookie on target for NRL honours
He’s the little known winger from Auckland who got the surprise of his life after leaving his family to follow his NRL dream. See the magic moment that sparked a four-try rampage for Windsor.
He’s the unknown winger who threw all his eggs in the one basket to follow his NRL dream. That was eight months ago, now Jeshua Maa-Nelson is making waves across western Sydney.
Affectionately known as “SJ”, the strapping Auckland teenager has gone about work with minimal fuss since lacing up his boots in the Penrith A-grade competition.
In a story of unique twists, the 19-year-old’s journey took flight last December when he left his New Zealand-based family for riches across the ditch.
Placed in shared accommodation alongside a handful of Penrith Panthers pathways players, Maa-Nelson’s first tentative steps took him across the road to the home ground of the Windsor Wolves.
For coach Dennis Curry, the arrival was like a gift from the gods. Now sitting alone at the top of the Don Feltis Cup ladder, after a slow start, Maa-Nelson – known for his tough carries – has spread his wings and tops the competition for tries scored
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“I was a bit nervous coming to Australia,” said Maa-Nelson.
“I’m a South Auckland boy, I started off in union when I was younger and it didn’t really work out. Then I fell in love with league and now I’m here.
“Nothing was really going for me back at home so I thought I’d try my luck. I was fortunate enough to know someone here to bring me over and have a crack at Aussie footy.”
Despite his humble nature off the field, his ferocious contact turned heads, earning him a spot in the Panthers Juniors team to face Cronulla’s top A-grade talent in the showdown for the Luke Lewis Cup.
“I didn’t think I’d get this many tries,” he said.
“I’m staying in the same house as some of the Penrith boys from SG Ball (U19s) and Jersey Flegg (U21s). It's great to be surrounded by a good group of boys and soak up their knowledge.”
While perfectly placed to make a name for himself in the Penrith system, it was his two four-pointers in the A-grade representative fixture that struck a chord with bitter western Sydney rivals, Parramatta.
“Fortunately, I scored a double against Cronulla. From that I got an offer from Parramatta, and next year I’m heading over to the Eels after signing a contract with them to play Flegg,” he said.
In a breakout season, it would be fair to assume the surprises for the tearaway winger might have dried up.
Oddly enough, last Saturday, July 12, was Magic Round in the local competition, and with a touch of luck — or perhaps some gold dust — the Windsor No.2 was almost floored before even taking the field.
In a touching moment, a pre-match address culminated in the surprise unveiling of his mother, Jacinta, who shocked her son by arriving unannounced from New Zealand.
“That was a bit of a surprise and got me a bit emotional,” said Maa-Nelson.
“Dennis was talking to us before we ran out, he was doing a jersey presentation, but I didn’t know it was me he was talking about until I turned to the side and mum was there with all my aunties and uncles.”
After regathering his senses, the new Eels recruit got on with what he does best – bringing his proud family to their feet with four tries.
