Service with a smile
September 14, 2007
ONE of the game's brightest young stars, Krisnan Inu, has aborted plans for a two-year overseas religious mission and will continue his career in the National Rugby League.
The young winger, a devout Mormon, believes he can accomplish more for the church as a role model for younger followers if he remains in the game.
His decision followed a lengthy talk with his parents, who agreed the Parramatta star was more valuable to the church in the limelight than doing missionary work.
Inu revealed to the
Herald in July he was strongly considering taking a two-year break from the NRL in order to perform the duties most Mormon men complete before they turn 25.
The church, of which his father Pepesuatia is a bishop, benefits from a tithe on Inu's salary.
The news may also influence teenage Melbourne Storm sensation Israel Folau - Inu's childhood friend and fellow Mormon - who has also stated that he is contemplating serving overseas.
"It is a case where I believe I can do more for the church by staying," Inu says. "I had a talk with my parents, and together we decided that it is best if I pursue my career. In no way does this mean I am losing faith."
Quite the opposite - Inu has been spending more time with the church as his career has climbed upward.
The 20-year-old has felt some push to venture on a mission because many of his church friends have gone or are going.
"At first I did feel pressure, and then as the games kept coming and I started playing better, people saw the positives of me staying and they realised what I could do for the church," he says.
News that Inu will remain in the game will come as a major relief to Parramatta, which has earmarked the New Zealand international to replace Timana Tahu in the centres next year.
During the decisive conversation with her son, Inu's mother, Fay-Feagai, realised his heart was not in it. "We asked him if he really wanted to go and he said no. He is prepared physically, but not prepared spiritually," she says. "We don't force our kids into anything, this is completely his choice and we respect it. He made up his own mind, he is not going to go. He will stay and finish his career.
"A lot of his friends are going [on a mission]. But you don't go just because your friends are going, that is not the purpose of a mission."
One of the brightest prospects in the league world, Inu has become an idol in his church and holds much sway with its younger members, who often seek him out for advice. While he certainly has influence, Inu says he would not want to deter others from serving overseas simply because he has chosen not to.
"I didn't really consider myself as a role model until I hit the big time," he says. "I am really grateful to be a role model, especially for the young kids. But I don't consider my choices to be the choices for them all. I would rather them make decisions for themselves."
Inu's mother also hinted Krisnan may follow in the footsteps of his father. "Once he finishes his football career, he might get married in the temple and serve as a bishop. If you serve as a bishop in the church it's not just for two years, it's for five or six years.
"There are many ways of serving the church, and the church does not force people to do things. I think he is a good example for Mormon kids. Not only in football, he sets such a good example for people off the field as well. We're very proud of him.
"My responsibility as a mum is to always remind him of who he is and where he is from. Whenever I drive him anywhere I am always encouraging him to do what is best for the family and the church."
Inu says becoming a bishop does appeal, however: "It is something you are chosen to do, you can't just say you are going to be a bishop. It is more something you strive for, by being a worthy member, and you get nominated to do it."
On the eve of what he describes as the biggest game of his career, Inu is displaying no nerves. The manner in which he lined up a conversion attempt last week at Mt Smart Stadium against the Warriors best summed up his character.
Smiling while 30,000 Kiwi supporters roared to distract him, Inu coolly slotted the goal that ultimately handed the Eels a two-point win. "At our home games, you can always hear people saying, 'You're gonna miss.' For me, smiling is a way to shut things out," he says. "I feel better being happy, rather than thinking about what will happen if I miss. Mt Smart made it worse, the whole stadium was giving it to me and that made me smile even more."
Will his pearly whites be on show tomorrow night? Inu replies: "I'm sure I will be smiling when I kick at Telstra Stadium."
But it may not be quite as wide as the smiles Parramatta fans will be wearing when they read this story.
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