I thought that I would add to the Manly Samoan Feel Good Thread
Jesse continues to impress at every opportunity
ANDREW PRENTICE MANLY DAILY MAY 08, 2014
JESSE Sene-Lefao is beaming at the moment – and with good reason.
He is rapidly establishing himself as a regular first grader with the Sea Eagles and last weekend helped Samoa beat Fiji at Sportingbet Stadium to qualify for the Four Nations later this year.
“It was a real buzz. I am a Mt Druitt boy so I had plenty of family and friends on the hill cheering me on,’’ Sene-Lefao said.
“My church also performed pre-game. That left me feeling very proud. It was our biggest win ever as a Test nation, to be in a position knowing we are playing Australia, New Zealand and England later this year is unbelievable.”
He revealed his time in camp under the coaching of Matt Parish was great fun.
“It was a little different to what we do each day with Manly,’’ the interchange backrower said.
“We trained hard, but also were out in the community and had plenty of laughs, that is the Samoan way.
“I loved being a part of it all, representing your country is the ultimate achievement in my eyes for an athlete.”
Sene-Lefao has made giant strides in 2014, after making just one NRL appearance last season.
“I was sitting behind a few blokes, I just had to be patient and bide my time,’’ the 24-year-old said.
“After Brent (Kite) and George (Rose) left, and Richie Fa’aoso retired, opportunities were always going to pop up.
“I just need to make sure I play my part when I am out there.”
Meanwhile, prop Josh Starling has admitted being run down 23-22 in round one against Melbourne at Brookvale Oval has not been forgotten by the playing group.
“It hasn’t been openly discussed, but I am sure it is at the back of everyone’s head,’’ he said.
“You can’t let big leads like that slip, otherwise they (Storm) will feel they have a mental edge over us.
“We are down a few troops this week, but we have blokes like Jack Littlejohn who have slotted in well.
“If we play 80 minutes this time, not 40, we should be in the game.”
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/northern-beaches/jesse-continues-to-impress-at-every-opportunity/story-fngr8iii-1226910670599