The Wests Tigers face a tough time getting David Nofoaluma to remain at the club, with the winger admitting his loan stint with the Storm has helped him rediscover his love for the game.
After spending the entirety of his career at the Tigers, Nofoaluma joined the Storm on a loan until the end of the 2022 season after season-ending injuries to a host of Melbourne outside backs.
Having scored his first try for the club in a win over the Panthers, Nofoaluma says he’s been left fighting tears at the prospect of his first trip to the post-season.
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“You have to be a part of it to actually know what it feels like. It’s just something I’ve never experienced before and I can see why they’re such a successful team,” he told 9News Sydney of his experience with the Storm so far
“I think I’d actually cry (at the prospect of playing finals). We play this game to be successful and to play finals.
“I’ve waited such a long time, 10 years, and to not be able to play finals, let alone a grand final it can wear you down as a player.”
Nofoaluma has been a mainstay in Tigers line-ups over the last decade, but saw himself fall out of favor this season, even having to endure a stint of reserve grade football.
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It was an experience that resulted in the 28-year-old losing his love for the game, something he says the Storm has helped him rediscover.
“I wasn’t feeling too well,” he said.
“When the opportunity to go down to Melbourne came around, it sparked something and I fell in love with the game as soon as I started playing with Melbourne.”
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