Fonua smiling after Dream Team selection
Hull FC centre Mahe Fonua is delighted to be a part of the Super League Dream Team for 2016, but it came as a bit of surprise to the modest Australian-Tongan star.
The 23-year-old was one of six FC players named in the Dream Team, but he is more interested in collective glory than individual awards.
“It was never an intention!” he smiled, speaking to Love Rugby League.
“I wasn’t playing every week with the aim of getting into the Dream Team!
“That’s come through the success that the team has had this year, so I’m grateful to have been selected in this team.”
Fonua feels at home at Hull, at a club, and in a city, where there is such a strong history.
“Before I came, I knew that there was a lot of history to this club,” he added.
“They’ve been around for a very long time. I knew that the rivalry with Hull KR was there too.
“At the end of the day, though, we all come from one town – Hull is the name of the city.
“Either club representing the town on the wider stage is good to see, putting East Yorkshire back on the map and on the big stages.
“I’m really glad to be a part of it. Hull FC did their homework and research last season on trying to sign players from overeseas.
“They recruited well, which brought out the quality that Hull FC already had.”
The Polynesian influence has been a big part of Hull’s succes so far this season, and Fonua believes that the fraternal feelings that the Islander and Maori players have for each other have rubbed off on the rest of the squad.
“There is a big Polynesian contingent at FC,” he said.
“They do call us the brothers!
“When I first touched down in Hull, the first person to come to my aid was Feka Paleaaesina.
“He’s got the welfare role as of next year.
“As Polynesians, we don’t have much, and when we come to a place where we have nothing, we turn to each other.
“Us being around each has brushed off on the rest of the boys, there’s a good sense of unity and brotherhood.
“That’s helped us get through the season, and get through those tougher matches, that love we have for each other.”