Player profile: Warriors prop Bunty Afoa

Vodafone Warriors Prop Bunty Afoa shares his thoughts about this weekend’s game against the Broncos with Moreton Daily while also revealing his childhood league hero and favourite sushi shop.

The 25-year-old, who has been with the Warriors since making his NRL debut in 2016, said it was awesome to notch up a win last week against Wests Tigers.

“The positive thing was we got the two points, but a lot of the boys are a bit salty about the way we performed. The way that we performed is not acceptable in NRL standards. The biggest thing for us was just trying to complete our sets and just go back to the basics and build pressure,” Afoa says

Regardless, the win has given the squad a lift.

“The way we started the season with two losses, it puts a bitter taste in your mouth. You work your butt off in preseason and the way we started it takes a bit of confidence out of you and the way we took the two points … a lot of the boys are excited to try and get a little winning streak rolling,” he says.

This Saturday (April 2) the Warriors will face a Broncos outfit keen to redeem themselves after their 38-12 loss to the Cowboys last weekend. The round four clash kicks off at Moreton Daily Stadium at 2pm (AEST).

“We’ve got to bring our A-game to be honest. We’re trying to focus on ourselves first and how we start the game. The way you start the game is important. The Broncos had a big loss against the Cowboys, so they’re going to come firing back against us so we’ve got to be ready,” Bunty says.

“Personally, I think the battle’s going to be through the middle. They’ve got the young prop there, Payne Haas, he’s going to try to lead their middle and try to come for us. We’ve made a big focus to work together and try to get a bit of a roll on against their middle.

So, how will they neutralise Haas?

“It’s just working together. It all comes down to … don’t try to do things on your own. This game is one of 17 not just one player … everyone needs to do their job well and work together,” Bunty explains.

Who was your favourite player growing up?

I’ve got a lot, but Ruben Wiki was one of them. He played the game tough.

Where is the best place to go for a run in the Moreton Bay Region?

I haven’t gone out for walks or runs in the area due to the rain. You know, it’s humid-as here. It’s tough to go out for a run.

Where is your favourite restaurant or café in the Moreton Bay Region?

I’m a big sushi person, so I like the sushi train at Mango Hill.

What are your goals this season?

Just to play some consistent footy and try to be a leader, or if I’m starting off the bench, to try to bring some impact. I really want to play some consistent footy and see some success at this club and try to reach for the top 8 or the top 4.

Read more player profiles: Bayley Sironen, Aaron Pene, Kodi Nikorima