When Gold Coast Titans prop Moeaki Fotuika takes the field against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium on Friday night, the 19-year old Gisborne native will play in front of his family for the first time in the NRL.
Having debuted for the Titans as an 18-year old last year, Fotuika is learning his game at the highest level, having earned a four year deal after a successful six week trial.
Speaking to 1 NEWS, Fotuika admitted his rapid rise had even caught him off guard.
"I didn't expect to play NRL at a young age," he said.
"But I think just the coaching staff just having the belief in me that I can mix it with the big boys and that."
Fotuika isn't the only member of his family cutting it at the highest level, with older brother Feao currently playing Super Rugby for the Reds.
The pair are two of nine children, their parents having moved to New Zealand from Tonga.
Fotuika could have joined brother Mosese in the NRL, however he tragically passed away before the 2013 season before he could make his debut for the Wests Tigers.
Mosese's influence though is still clear to see in his younger brother.
"He's always in the back of my head and he's always pushing me train harder and do the best that I can."
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