‘I play my best, when I’m being physical’

Dolphins young gun Aublix Tawha will channel Sonny Bill Williams as he prepares to face the Cowboys on Thursday night, primed to get physical for the team that’s given him ‘everything’ in its hour of need.

The Dolphins’ starting line-up has been decimated by injury with 10 players out for the game and a cloud over Kenny Bromwich, who has been battling a neck complaint.

It’s been a headache for Head Coach Kristian Woolf, particularly in recent weeks, but has given rising stars like Tawha a chance to step up and realise their NRL dream.

“Woolfy says he believes in me to do the job. I want to prove him right and prove to the boys that I can be here and back them up,” Tawha said at training yesterday.

“It’s crazy … someone like that saying they believe in you. Coming from where I come from, you never think you’d talk to someone of that calibre … now I’m here, playing NRL. I just don’t want to let him down.”

Tawha is truly grateful for the opportunity to play in the NRL, after almost giving up following a shoulder injury.

“It’s been a dream. I can’t even explain it. Two years ago, I was back in New Zealand scaffolding, playing local footy, and now I’m here,” he said.

After a stint playing Dutch rugby union, Tawha grabbed a chance to play for the Yass Magpies rugby league club in Canberra and was sought out by then Redcliffe Dolphins Coach Ben Te’o who had seen vision of the then centre in action.

He made his Queensland Cup debut for Redcliffe in July 2023 and went on to make his NRL debut for the Dolphins in round 16 this year.

The 26-year-old has played three games at the top level so far this season, benefiting from the guidance of mentors Kenny Bromwich, Josh Kerr and Frank Molo as he has moved into the middle as prop.

And if he needs inspiration, there’s always Sonny Bill Williams …

“That’s what I flick on before I play, watch some Sonny Bill Williams highlights ... just watch his hits,” Tawha said.

“I think I play my best, when I’m being physical … everything else unfolds after that.”

What does it mean to be a Dolphin?

“It’s the best thing ever. This club’s given me everything from bringing me up here to helping me find a house … all the coaching staff have been so good to me in my development of my game,” he said.

“All the boys have been unreal. It’s just like a brotherhood. I can trust anyone in the locker room. I love it.”

Footy has almost certainly changed the trajectory of Tawha’s life.

“You (can) get in a lot of trouble, where I’m from. I needed to get out of there and find something different,” he explained.

“There’s not much opportunity, where I’m from. Coming here, I can see a goal I can reach … especially something you’ve dreamed about your whole life … it’s right there.

“To be here now is a blessing. I’m grateful.”

Round 20: The Dolphins play the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday (7.50pm kick off).