SAMU Wara is the Port Macquarie Sharks’ new powerhouse player who is ready to set Group 3 on fire.
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A utility outside back, usually playing at fullback, on the wing or at centre, Wara has joined the club for season 2013 and is ready to rip in with his new teammates.
Having been born and raised in Sydney, Wara grew up in Leichhardt and played his junior rugby league with the Balmain Tigers.
He went on to play premier league (second grade) for both the Tigers and the North Sydney Bears, the feeder club to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, but was unable to crack the first grade side.
He switched to rugby union for several seasons thereafter, spending two years with the ACT Brumbies before signing with the Western Force, where he played nine first grade games and scored three tires.
“It was a good experience playing against players you see on television,” he said.
“Playing against the best players in rugby really lifted my game, gave me more confidence and more belief in myself.”
He grew up playing league, saying the game came naturally to him.
“Going to rugby and never playing it before, I kind of didn’t have my heart in it,” Wara said.
“The coach (at the Western Force) was sacked and I had a few issues between myself and the manager. It just didn’t work out.
“My partner, Sally, is from Port Macquarie and she was sick of moving around the country.
“She wanted to settle down in Port for the time being, so I have ended up here at the Sharks.”
While he said he was loving his time at the club, ultimately, Wara is chasing the dream of playing more professional rugby or rugby league overseas.
“I’m trying to get a contract overseas so we will see how that goes,” he said.
“Whether it is with league or union, I’ll play either.
“They are a great bunch of blokes here at the Sharks, and they’ve really welcomed me.”
Sharks coach Phil Trembath said Wara had been an excellent addition to his team.
“You can tell the way he moves that he’s good on his feet,” he said.
“He’s been to the big time and knows the simple things in the game and how to get them right.
“For me he’s going to be a centre.
“I have a good fullback in Harley Gore and Wara will add a new dimension to our attack.
“His experience is great and I hope he can pass some knowledge onto the young blokes in the side.”
The Sharks will join the Port City Breakers and the Wauchope Blues in a pre-season triangle of matches on Friday at the Regional Stadium.