From a humble hotel porter to possibly the NRL’s most electrifying back in just over 12 months may sound like a fantasy but Fijian born Penrith flyer Etonia Nabuli has the ability to make it a reality.

Nabuli who’s from Malomalo, Nadroga, joined the Penrith Panthers last year having been recruited on nothing more than a recommendation by Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler who spotted the winger while on holiday.

The former Nadroga Navosa Provincial High School student will play alongside experienced players like Brent Kite, Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace.

At close to two metres tall, weighing 103 kilograms and with speed to burn, Nabuli scored 30 tries in 26 NSW Cup games for Windsor last season including his side’s only two tries in their grand final loss to the Sharks

Nabuli has been named as one of the top five players to surprise NRL fans during this weekend’s Auckland Nines Tournament.

Nabuli is expected to front up against fellow Fijian Sisa Waqa as the Penrith Panthers take on the Melbourne Storm in their first match of the NRL Auckland Nines at 7.25 tonight.


Story by: Aliki Bia