Dolphins’ new cult hero Valynce Te Whare became emotional celebrating his stunning two-try performance on debut with a haka with teammates, friends and family.
The NRL rookie starred in the Dolphins’ 36-16 win over the Sharks with 72 metres, six tackle busts, two linebreaks and two tries, but he was humble in summing up his dream debut post match.
“It is just a good feeling to be out on the paddock,” Te Whare said.
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Phins debutant draws immortal comparison | 00:48
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“It has been a hard journey. I only came over here at the start of last year and switching codes.
“I had nothing at home, so I just took the opportunity with two hands to come over here and did it for a year and just kept grinding and here I am.
“It was an unreal try. My second try I was cramping in the corner, so I was trying to get the boys to help me up quick.”
Whare paid tribute to his coach Wayne Bennett for getting him ready for the NRL.
“Wayne has had a big influence and he just kept it really simple with me,” Te Whare said.
“He didn’t overcomplicate it. He told me to run hard and tackle hard and have fun. Those were the three main things he told me to do and that’s what I did tonight.
“It has just been an awesome journey. I can’t really speak. I’m speechless sorry.”
Te Whare’s teammate Felise Kaufusi warned there was plenty more to come from the New Zealand born star.
“You have just seen a glimpse of his potential,” Kaufusi said of Te Whare.
“He is so big, so powerful and so fast for his size. He scored two tonight.
“I guess that is a credit to our recruitment who saw some potential in him.
“I’m just happy for him to get a start in the NRL.”
Cooper Cronk paid tribute to Wayne Bennett, the Dolphins, Te Whare and his family, who were all a part of this rugby league dream turned reality.
“He is an example of the strength of Wayne,” Cronk said.
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“He comes over form New Zealand away from his family. He is grinding away and he said Wayne told me to keep it simple.
“He said, run hard, tackle hard and have fun.
“This is the journey that young men and young women go on in our game.
“They sit in the stand watching some of the great players in our game, hoping and wishing that they may be able to do it one day.
“Down the track a little bit of hard work pays off and the sacrifice from the family.
“This is why he is emotional because family and friends are the ones that have sacrificed a lot for him to live out his dream.
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Te Whare emotional after dream debut | 01:29
“He has just delivered that on the grass of Suncorp Stadium scoring two tries and dominating in Wayne Bennett’s 900th game.
“Hell of an occasion for the whole Dolphins fan base, that young man and his family. Congratulations and enjoy the moment.”
Mal Meninga was full of praise for Te Whare for taking the hard route to realise his rugby league dream.
“He is a big unit,” Meninga said.
“You saw him doing the haka and his arms were up and they are nearly bigger than everyone’s legs.
“Well done to him. Another feel good story for rugby league because he had nothing back home.
“Obviously he wasn’t going anywhere and he has a rugby union background. He wasn’t going anywhere there so they took the plunge.
“He came over here to follow his rugby league dream.”
