Imagine a rising star in the world of rugby league, whose journey is filled with inspiration and determination. Meet Sebastian Su'a, a promising rookie for the Dolphins, who is set to shine after a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries.
At the heart of Sebastian's ambition lies the influence of his father, Murphy Su'a, a former fast bowler for New Zealand and the first player of Samoan descent to represent the nation in Test cricket. Murphy's groundbreaking achievements have not only opened doors for others but also inspired talents like Ross Taylor, who followed in his footsteps to create an impressive career with the Black Caps.
Standing tall as a versatile forward, Sebastian is ready to make his mark in the NRL this year, drawing motivation from established players like Daniel Saifiti, a prop for both the Dolphins and New South Wales. Daniel played a pivotal role in Sebastian’s transition from the Newcastle Knights to the Dolphins, emphasizing the importance of team culture and support.
Despite being born in New Zealand, Sebastian initially considered a future in cricket but ultimately chose rugby, captivated by the sport's physical nature. "I played cricket throughout school and at club level, but rugby became my passion. I enjoy the physicality it brings," he shared. However, he acknowledges that his father’s expectations—rooted in love—pushed him away from cricket, ultimately shaping his strong work ethic in rugby league.
Murphy Su'a competed in 13 Test matches, famously taking 5-73 against Pakistan in 1993, alongside 12 One Day Internationals. For Sebastian, matching his father’s international success is a significant goal. "It’s definitely a challenge for me to reach the level he did, and having him as my father means I have someone who understands the professional sports landscape and can guide me," he expressed.
At just 22 years old, Sebastian made a strategic decision to leave the Knights a year earlier than planned, motivated by discussions with coach Kristian Woolf and senior players Tom Gilbert and Saifiti. He found their insights about the Dolphins’ culture compelling, particularly resonating with Saifiti’s reassurances.
"Having played alongside Daniel at Newcastle, I formed a close bond with him and his brother Jacob. They took me under their wing, and when Daniel spoke about the Dolphins, I trusted his perspective. It felt like the right fit for me," Sebastian recounted. He emphasized Daniel's mentorship, noting how supportive he is towards younger players aspiring to reach the NRL level.
Sebastian joined the Dolphins in March 2025, but soon faced a setback when he injured his meniscus during his first training session. "That was a tough moment because I was really looking forward to getting started," he reflected. Despite spending much of the year in rehabilitation, he managed to play a few games for Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.
With a full pre-season behind him, Sebastian is eager to tackle the upcoming season. "The boys rallied around me during rehab, and now that I’m back, I can see how worthwhile that experience was. I've only played one NRL game, but I am determined to elevate my game to the next level."
As Sebastian Su'a gears up for what promises to be a pivotal year, fans and followers alike are left wondering: will he fulfill his potential and follow in his father's illustrious footsteps? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
