http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/cr...-his-late-mother/story-fndv2ypb-1226856263848
IT will be rugby league’s most touching moment.
Penani Manumalealii will look skywards tonight and dedicate his NRL debut to a person he misses and thinks about every day.
The five-eighth’s mum May died in a car accident last year in Christchurch and he will be thinking of her when he runs out for Cronulla in place of injured Todd Carney against Canterbury at ANZ Stadium. The 21-year-old knows a tear will drop down his cheek before kick-off.
His dad, who is also named Penani, and sister Peverita have flown from New Zealand for the game but it is May who will engulf Manumalealii’s emotions.
A mother of 11, May died when her van collided with a truck and trailer near Rolleston in November. A backseat passenger, she was found lying up to 10 metres away from the vehicle.
But tonight Manumalealii believes May will be watching on from above.
“It was a tough time,” he said. “It has taken me four months to get over losing mum. She was such a big inspiration to me. Massive.
“This game will definitely be dedicated to her. I am sure she will be looking down on me and be very happy for me.
“I am happy my father and sister will be here watching but I will also be thinking about mum.”
Manumalealii was playing for Samoa at last year’s World Cup when told the tragic news.
“I was at the World Cup but my dad wanted me to stay,” he said. “He wanted me to chase my dream — something that mum always wanted.
“I was in bed at 5am in Perpignan (in southern France) when the phone rang and they told me.
“It was gut-wrenching. Mum was the reason I came here (to the NRL) because I wanted to make a ­living for my parents.”
Football has kept Manumalealii going through the sad times — and so has the fact that his partner Chanelle is expecting their first baby this month.
For now, Manumalealii — who played in Cronulla’s successful NSW Cup side last year — has a game of football to play against a desperate Bulldogs side.
“There are big boys in the NRL but I am confident in my skill and attitude,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get out there. I just want to play my normal game.
“It’s very exciting, it has been a long time coming. It is my turn and I have to take the opportunity with both hands.”
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, hope to announce this week the signing of centre Josh Morris to a new four-year deal.
Asked if the contract was close to being ratified, Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle said: “Very. We are in the final stages.
“We have copped a bit but have worked hard to seal our backbone with James Graham, Josh Morris, Tim Lafai and Andrew Fifita.
“There are a couple more re-signings to come.”
