BUZ
Paragon
Check the article in Mega's post. The Eels scouts rapped him big time, but he had some off field dramas. He's got GF experience with the chickenhawks.
Here's a 2006 interview
Source
Also a Wikipedia entry here
Here's a 2006 interview
Interview with Jack Afamasaga
27/12/2006 - By Ben Horne - Manly Sea Eagles
The second in our series of interviews with the new faces for 2007, Ben Horne speaks to Jack Afamasaga, the former Parramatta Eels second rower who is looking to cement a place in the first grade team.
Welcome to the peninsula Jack, what was your motivation for moving to Manly?
They told me there was a regular first grade spot up for grabs and I just saw it as a great opportunity. Obviously I’ll have to work very hard for that spot, but to know that there is a regular position available if I perform well enough was a great opportunity for me.
Are you excited about being part of the ‘new Manly?’
Yes I’m very excited. It’s been really good so far. There’s a really nice atmosphere up here and a great bunch of blokes. It’s a very laid back kind of lifestyle which suits me. The fact that Manly has performed so well over the last couple of years also makes it really exciting.
It must have helped having International forwards such as Steve Menzies and Brent Kite in the team?
Yeah, I’m really looking forward to learning some things off these guys. I was a bit disappointed when I heard that Ben Kennedy was leaving, I was looking forward to playing with him, but Steve Menzies has had just as much experience so I know I’ll learn just as much off him. It’s really special to me that I can play with a player like that in the back part of his career. With guys like BK and Kylie Leuluai leaving you do kind of think that you have big shoes to fill, but all the guys are confident that we can do the job.
How have you found the pre-season training so far?
It’s been really good actually. It’s been very game specific which I’ve enjoyed. They just haven’t been smashing us up and there’s been a really good variety. Hopefully I’ll be able to come back into full time training after the Christmas break, I’m still recovering from a knee reconstruction I had earlier this season. A couple of years ago I had my ankle and calves done too so I’m just hoping that coming to Manly will change my luck a bit. The recovery has come along really well so I’m feeling great.
You played much of your junior football as a rugby union centre. What was the reason for the change of codes?
Parramatta sent over their junior grade to tour New Zealand and Mark Horo who was the development officer for my area asked me to come over and play. I hadn’t really watched or played Rugby League before until that game, but from that Parramatta asked me to come over and play with them. I might be keen on playing rugby union again one day but I haven’t really been keeping in touch with it recently. My cousin Ma’a Nonu plays for the All Blacks and I heard that he’s thinking of coming to play Rugby League so the boys might put some pressure on me to persuade him to come here!
Does your former life as a centre help you now as a back rower?
Yes it helps in that I guess I have that extra bit of speed and a bit of a step. When I was at Parramatta I got told that I was a bit too rough for the backs so I made the move to the forwards and it has worked pretty well. I’ve put on a bit of weight so I’m ready for a big year I hope.
What Rugby League players do you look up to?
I was really looking forward to playing with BK; he was definitely someone I looked up to. But Nathan Hindmarsh is someone I look up to, I trained with him at Parramatta and he’s a great player.
You looking forward to shaping up against your old club Parramatta?
Yes, it is a must play game. I’ve already circled it on the calendar as the must play game. I’ll play with two broken legs if I have to!
What are your goals for this season?
My first goal for 2007 is to get on the field and maintain a regular first grade spot. After that in the long term I’d love to play for New Zealand in Rugby League and maybe even further down the track, in Rugby Union as well.
Thanks Jack and all the best in season 2007
Source
Also a Wikipedia entry here