Why prestigious Tigers award 'meant nothing' to Fainu
But devastating Wests Tigers back-rower Samuela Fainu says winning the Wests Tigers' most prestigious award "meant nothing" to him.
Fainu was one of the few bright spots in the Tigers' 2024 campaign and was awarded the Kelly-Barnes Medal as the club's player of the season.
But the softly-spoken edge forward said claiming the gong in a season in which the club picked up a third-straight wooden spoon left him feeling hollow.
"I don't really have any feeling towards that award, there wasn't any success for the club," Fainu told AAP.
"I still felt a bit down (about our season) ... That award meant nothing to me.
"I think my mum has got it around the house, I just gave it to my mum."
What it means to be a Tiger 🐅 Kelly Barnes Medallist Samuela Fainu #OneJungle pic.twitter.com/9nvmUOZFg1
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) October 11, 2024
Fainu is keen to build on last season's exploits where he scored five tries and made himself known as a devastating hole runner.
The 21-year-old missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a knock to his knee but is set to return for Sunday's away trip to Newcastle.
Fainu will slot in on the left edge where he believes the presence of the club's marquee off-season recruit in halfback Jarome Luai can bring the best out of him.
"He (Luai) is the best player to play alongside because in the hard times during the game you still hear him talking," Fainu said.
"Him encouraging me and talking to me gives me so much courage to play my footy.
"He doesn't shut up and that's why I love playing alongside him, I go off how he plays and we try to connect our gameplay together."
Fainu is one of three brothers, alongside prop Sione and playmaker Latu, signed to the Tigers.
"Everyone has their own words for me but I reckon I'm the most charming," he said.
Above all, Fainu says he will only feel he has achieved something if he can help the Tigers (2-3) push towards a finals berth in 2025.
"There is definitely a lot more to come (from me) but that'll only come with the more games I play," he said.
"I just want to see this club succeed, because when this club succeeds, that's when I'll succeed."
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