Hufanga confident World Cup showing only scratched the surface
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After her eye-catching performances for the Kiwi Ferns at last year's World Cup, new Broncos signing Mele Hufanga believes she is poised to find a new level in her debut season at NRLW level.
A relative unknown prior to being picked in Ricky Henry's national side, Hufanga quickly emerged as one of the tournament's most exciting backline talents, scoring three tries in four games and averaging eight tackle busts per game.
Now, ahead of joining a Brisbane backline which includes a handful of Jillaroos stars and New Zealand Māori fullback Gayle Broughton, Hufanga has vowed her best is yet to come.
"100 percent I can get better. I know I can get better than I was at the World Cup, with my fitness and my defence the two main things I am working on," Hufanga said.
"I was at my fittest at the World Cup and I am fitter now than I was then.
"In NRLW I want my defence to be as good as my attack, and I want my new teammates to know they can trust me whether I am on their inside or outside.
"I also don’t want to be looking at my stats after the game and seeing a whole lot of missed tackles!
I am ready to learn off the best too. Ali Brigginshaw is someone I am excited to play with, no doubt. I am excited to be around a legend like her.
Mele Hufanga
"It was an overwhelming feeling to sign with the Broncos. I know for sure my job isn’t done here, I still need to work hard to make that team and achieve what I want to."
Hufanga has been one of the best players in the Auckland club competition for a number of years, but had always balanced league alongside a rugby union career which saw her represent Auckland and captain Tonga.
Prior to last year's World Cup in England, it was a reality check from Henry which helped Hufanga realise she wanted to focus solely on the 13-aside game and push towards the NRLW.
"Commitment wise she had a foot in each camp... it wasn’t so much a rev-up, but more a reminder of the reality that if she wanted to play well at the World Cup there are certain things you need to tick off," Henry said.
"Mele responded to it and responded like a champion.
"She excelled at the World Cup, which gave her a platform to attract interest from NRL clubs and it’s not surprising she’s done it."
Mele Hufanga gets the strip
Henry echoed Hufanga when it came to the belief that her best football is in front of her, while adding that the Broncos were also gaining a valuable off-field addition.
"She will be awesome for their culture," Henry said.
She is a bit of a character, Mele, so it’s not just her on-field ability, but it’s her ability as an individual to be unique and enjoyable to be around, and she’s an upbeat positive person.
Ricky Henry
"They’ll have a few laughs in Broncos camp with her around and it wouldn’t surprise me if she develops a bit of a cult following there.
"She’s a wonderful person who will drive a lot of the Pacific girls there."
Hufanga will head to Brisbane next month alongside fellow New Zealand-based- Broncos player Annetta Nu'uausala.
