By Jon Geddes

MANLY Marlins No.10 Kemu Valetini only needs to look to his younger brother for inspiration as the top of the table Marlins chase the Shute Shield minor premiership.

That’s because Rob Valetini is the impressive Brumbies backrower who was one of the Wallabies’ best in their memorable 30-28 first Test win against England in Perth last Saturday.

The pair are members of a close family that includes six boys and two girls. And Kemu, who has become a key figure in the Marlins’ big premiership revival this season, is clearly chuffed with what his sibling has achieved.

“The whole family is very proud of him, from a young age we knew he would be a special player and it was up to him whether he wanted to pursue it or not,” Kemu told Rugby News.

“Luckily the Brumbies came knocking on our door very early and he took off from there. As we see he is playing rep footy and is in the Wallabies side.”

And Kemu has been able to offer a unique insight into Rob’s success.

“I think he has slowly built on performances – and every time he is selected, he is getting better and better which is what you want to see,” he said.

“He is very quiet off the field, doesn’t say much, but when he’s on the field he’s just a totally different person.”

And that has had a positive influence on Kemu’s own rugby career.

“I look at him and think ‘that is really cool, I would like to do that one day’,” he said.

“He was always a hard worker which probably what got him into the professional set-up.”

A SMART MOVE     

KEMU had been running around playing club football in Melbourne before taking the opportunity to join Manly this season.

“It was more me coming up here, having a crack and see what happens,” he said.

And in the back of his mind is that thought of maybe following Rob and playing at a higher level.

“Right now I am fully focussed on playing for Manly, putting in good performances week-in week-out and it helps when the team is going well,” Valetini said.

The 27-year-old has settled right into his new home on the northern beaches and is thriving under the coaching of Phil Blake.

“Blakey is an unreal coach, he is very detailed and passionate – he loves to tell the boys when they are doing well and not doing well,” Valetini said. “He has been immense in my development here at Manly.”

WHAT A BONUS

VALETINI was again prominent in the Marlins’ 27-7 win over Southern Districts on a waterlogged Manly Oval last Saturday.

While the Manly pack laid the foundations for the victory, Blake was really happy with the way his game managers Valetini, halfback Dion Spice and fullback James Ohmsen controlled proceedings.

In the waterlogged conditions Blake’s simple game plan paid dividends and, significantly, the team came away with a valuable bonus point which could prove crucial with such a congested ladder.

The Marlins competed right to the death and their fourth try came when winger Fraser Toohey dived over in the corner after the fulltime siren.

“I thought for very large periods of the game we controlled the field position,” Blake said.

“It was a very pleasing win, but obviously to sneak that bonus point at the end was extremely satisfying.”

As the game went on the Marlins forwards pack really started to assert their dominance, with No.8 Manaia Koko, who was also originally from Melbourne, really making an impact with some of his powerful carries.

The 24-year-old is one to watch at the business end of the season.