He’s Got Next #2 – Atelea Vea.
Atelea Vea in His Trademark Blue Headgear
The Cronulla Sharks have had a rather forgetful 2009 thus far, yet through the many changes they will have to endure, may still leave the year with something to remember. That something may well have just arrived, in the form of 22 year old second-rower, Atelea Vea.
Tipping the scales at 101 Kg’s, with electric speed off the mark, Vea was a breath of fresh air in his debut for the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night. Playing with no reservations, it was clear that the young forward knew he was ready to play in the top grade, something that has eluded him in each path he’s taken thus far.
“It’s been awesome in the shire, I’ve really enjoyed playing footy here. I’ve managed to keep injury free and spend alot of time on the paddock coming through the grades, its been good fun and I’ve met alot of great people,” he says.
Vea started his junior career at the St. George Dragons, where he was named S.G Ball Player of the year in 2002. Impressing numerous coaches and scouts with his strong, flamboyant style, the 2nd rower began to stand out on the field as much as his trademark blue headgear.
Taking up his year 12 studies at Waverley College, Vea turned his attention to Rugby Union, where he again impressed, being selected in the NSW Schoolboys side of 2004 before succumbing to the first of many sickening injuries.
A long time off the field recovering from a lengthy shoulder reconstruction, was soon disasturously coupled by a shattered left ankle. Extended time on the sidelines with no club or contract left the second-rower wondering if he would ever get his chance to play in the top grade.
It was 2 years later that he would get himself back on to the football field, earning himself a place in the Wests Tigers Jersey Flegg squad of 2006. He was again named player of the year. His future at the club looked set as he ran out for the Balmain-Ryde NSW Cup side in 2007, yet again, his presence on the field was cut short by injury.
You couldn’t blame a player in his position to give up, get a day job and dream of what could have been. But it was clear that his desire to play first grade football was greater than any reservations he might have had. In 2008 he decided to have one last shot, this time at his 3rd NRL Club, the Cronulla Sharks. He immediately made his presence felt, becoming an integral part of the NSW Cup starting side. It was no surprise that shortly after his inclusion, they made a late charge in to the finals.
Some things are just meant to be, and some things in life will be caught as long as you keep chasing. Last week against the Penrith Panthers, Atelea Vea was given his chance – a late call up from coach Ricky Stuart to breathe life in to a wavering Cronulla side. His impact was brilliant, for a player on debut against a commanding Penrith pack, there were no backwards steps, only threatening runs and strong defence. He explains,
“It was an amazing feeling out there, it took a hit-up and a tackle to get my head around the occasion but definately something I’ll never forget.”
This weekend, he gets his chance to take on the club that raised him, the St. George-Illawarra Dragons.
“I have always been in love with the local derby atmosphere, hopefully this week I can get in the action,” he says.
In what will certainly be the biggest moment in the 22 year-olds career, he won’t be taking any backwards steps. The Dragons will have to be on their toes to make sure they don’t see the back of that blue headgear streaking down the sidelines on Saturday night.
Vea is off contract at the end of the season, where he is sure to attract the attention of many NRL clubs.
