By Jon Geddes

AFTER a distinguished international career, globetrotting Waratahs back Nemani Nadolo has become a rugby missionary spreading the gospel in Sydney’s west.

Not only is the powerhouse back sharing his vast experience by playing with the Two Blues in the Shute Shield, he is also passionate about the code fulfilling its untapped potential across the area and significantly boosting the rugby congregation.

And Nadolo put his words into action by opting to link up with the Two Blues after signing with the Waratahs for this season.

“It was easy to go to Randwick or Manly, but I just felt with a huge following of South Pacific islanders, it was a good choice to go back and pass on the knowledge I have experienced as a rugby player,” he said.

“I’ve told guys at the club ‘this is why I came to west Sydney, to try and help grow the game’.     

“For years there has probably been a lot of talk about it, and I guess not enough action.

“Throughout my playing career I’ve always wanted to do that, and I thought it was about time I put my money where my mouth is and help out where I can.

“And it’s a decision I’m glad I’ve made.

“Once I finish up on the rugby field, it’s where I can get my hands dirty off the field.”

THE HIDDEN GEMS      

THE decorated Fijian Test star is on the same page as incoming Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh who said recently he wants to set up a western Sydney rugby academy to secure the best young players in the game.

Nadolo’s CV which includes stints with the Crusaders, Bourgoin, Exeter Chiefs, Montpellier and Leicester Tigers – along with his standing in the game – makes him an ideal candidate to be involved.

And it would be an opportunity he would definitely be interested in.

“Western Sydney, that’s where the hidden gems are,” Nadolo said.

Linking up with the Two Blues has been a real eye-opener and given him a first-hand understanding of  the issues that need to be tackled.    

“In pre-season the talent is ridiculous,” Nadolo said. “You come back a few weeks later and ask ‘where is this guy, where is that guy’ and in more cases than not they go and play league.

“Having some sort of academy where we can hold onto these players, I think is really important for the west.      

“I can tell you now, there are a lot of boys who are good enough to play at the next level. It is just a matter of putting them in an environment where they can excel being around world-class coaches and facilities.

“Not only are you going to be training them physically, you are going to educate them on topics they will need to know to play at the next level.” 

Nadolo is also going above and beyond at the real grassroots level, being heavily involved with the Two Blues juniors.

“I get out there and help with them,” he said.            

HE’S STILL GOT IT   

NADOLO is back in the Shute Shield 15 years after he made his debut in the competition as a 20-year-old with Randwick, when he scored 13 tries in his first seven matches.

“I love it, I’m really enjoying just running around and trying to keep up with these younger guys,” he said.

“It’s definitely changed, it’s got a lot quicker I’d say, but rugby’s got a lot quicker anyway.”

While he may now be in the veteran class, Nadolo showed he still has plenty to offer in the Two Blues’ big 60-28 win over competition heavyweights Eastwood last Saturday.

Making his debut as team captain and moving from the wing to inside-centre for the first time in years, Nadolo had his big hands in three of his side’s eight tries.

“When you have this much talent in the backline, it’s like playing in a Fiji team,” he said. “They looked after the old fella, I said ‘run and I will feed it to you’.”   

Nadolo believes the Two Blues still have a shot at making the finals with six rounds to go. They are currently in eighth spot, one point behind Gordon (sixth) and University (seventh).      

“Our destiny is in our own hands,” he said. “As a club and a team what we have been speaking about all year is consistency.

“We can win well some weeks and then we can lose pretty ugly.”

The team needs to win well again in this Saturday’s game with Souths at Eric Tweedale Stadium.