Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Pauli Pauli says his Blue and Gold Holden Cup teammate John Folau had better watch out when the pair will clash at the Under 20s State of Origin this weekend!
Pauli joins Eels hooker Kaysa Pritchard and five-eighth Ryan Matterson in the NSW Blues side, and says it’s always fun playing against a teammate who will be playing for the Maroons.
“John Folau? I’m going to feed him, eh!” Pauli laughed.
“Nah - it’s good to play against a couple of friends and show your abilities and show your strengths.”
It’s Pauli’s first time playing in the Under 20s NSW side, and he says it will be a proud day to run out wearing the Blues jumper.
“I’ve always wanted to play for the NSW Blues, and the opportunity has now been opened for me, so I’m going to take it with both hands,” he said.
“Representing my family and my country as well - being a Samoan playing for NSW is an honour for me.”
Pauli will also be playing alongside his former juniors teammate, Wests Tigers player Mitchell Moses.
“I used to play with Mitch Moses growing up, so it’s nice to play with some of the boys that I know, which will be good,” he said.
