Mafi makes long-awaited return
New Manawatu¯ signing Lifeimi Mafi can’t wait to slot into the Turbos backline and he should get his first chance in Taihape tomorrow.
Mafi joined the Manawatu¯ Turbos this year, having been overseas for 14 years.
Originally from Palmerston North, he joined Taranaki in 2004, then spent 12 years in Ireland and France, playing more than 100 games for both Munster and Perpignan, respectively.
The midfielder is keen to play outside first five-eighth Jade Te Rure and should get to line up with him as part of the Turbos’ pre-season hit-out at Taihape’s Memorial Park against Whanganui and Bay of Plenty.
It will be a game of three halves, with Whanganui playing Bay of Plenty at 1.10pm. Manawatu¯ play Whanganui at 2pm and then Bay of Plenty at 2.50pm.
Mafi, 35, hadn’t followed Manawatu¯ much while he was overseas but he did meet up with Te Rure, when Te Rure was with the Palmerston North Boys’ High School first XV on a tour of Ireland in 2010.
Mafi also saw Ngani Laumape in action for Boys’ High too and is keen to play alongside the All Black if the chance comes.
Mafi is the old pro in the Turbos this year but when it comes to how much other players are learning from him, he said it’s not for him to say.
‘‘I’m trying to be myself around them and be one of the boys,’’ Mafi said. ‘‘That’s crucial for me. When it gets hard, I’m in exactly the same boat as them, grinding my teeth and digging deep.’’
Mafi came home to work at Boys’ High and build the relationship between his four children, aged 10, 7, 5 and 3, and their grandparents.
He said he was still finding his feet after being away for so long and learning how the Turbos want him to play.
‘‘I’m enjoying the challenge. I’ve been living rugby for the last 15 years. It’s something I’m used to. I see the hunger in those young guys. It’s good for myself to get a bit of energy from that.’’