Source: Radio New Zealand
Tevita Ofa wants to emulate the impact Savea had on his younger self on the next generation. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Shaking his idol Julian Savea’s hand was a surreal moment for an 11-year-old Tevita Ofa.
Now in 2026, he calls him team-mate.
“He was my favourite player growing up. He was awesome in that 2015 World Cup and they ended up bringing the trophy to where my primary had a rippa rugby competition and I got to meet him,” Ofa said.
“I rocked up on stage, and he was there. I was just buzzing. I was just so grateful that I got to shake his hand and now to be in the same environment as him, being able to see him now, it’s surreal. I still hold those memories close.”
Initially star-struck, Ofa is now able to call on his hero for advice.
“He’s awesome, always keeping me honest, always holding me accountable and then he’s always there to pick me up when I do make those mistakes.
“He’s one you can go to. He’s always open. He’s not afraid to help the young boys out. So, whenever I need to ask questions, I’ll go to him first.”
The electric Counties winger wants to emulate the impact Savea had on his younger self, on the next generation.
“I hope I can have that influence on someone, especially the young Polynesian kids coming through.”
Ofa plays his NPC rugby for Counties Manukau. Photosport
Ofa grew up in Manurewa with four rugby-mad siblings.
“We always played rugby, whether it was at the park or out on the road, because we live on a dead-end, just wherever we could throw the pill around, we always had a pill in our hand.”
As well as Savea, Ofa was not short on legendary wingers to look up to, being schooled at Wesley College.
“Obviously, when you hear about Wesley, you hear about Jonah, so there’s another big inspiration.”
The younger Savea has also been instrumental in Ofa’s development, with Ardie’s spectacular season with Moana in 2025 lighting a fire under the franchise.
“Ardie’s pretty important in his own respect. But, we want to not only to prove a point to everybody else, but also to ourselves. We spoke about there’s going to be a big hole, but it’s on us to fill that hole.”
Having spent time with the Chiefs academy and development side, Ofa was given his shot at Super in 2025 by Tana Umaga.
“It means a lot. They gave me an opportunity when no one else would, I also get to represent my family and my parents. They migrated from the island, so I’m carrying a lot of people on my back, and I’m proud to carry that.”
He said it’s a special environment being surrounded by his Pasifika brothers.
“The culture here is second to none. All the boys here love to have a laugh. But when we get on the field, it’s all business, the boys know that when we get out there, we need to switch on, get our job done, and then when we get off, boys have a laugh, have a muck.”
Ofa enjoyed a strong rookie season, but was not content with his performance.
“I want to earn a starting spot in this team, whether that’s on the wing or in the centres. I want to come back stronger this year. I wasn’t satisfied with my performance last year. I felt like I didn’t really make the most of that opportunity that they gave me, but coming back this year, I promised I’d step up to everything I promised myself.”
As well as Savea, Ofa was not short on legendary wingers to look up to, being schooled at Wesley College. Photosport
Not just wanting to improve his own game, Ofa said Moana is determined to prove they can meet or better the standards set by Savea.
Ofa is eligible to represent three nations due to his Samoan mother and Tongan father.
As for whether he is chasing a black, red, or blue jersey?
“Growing up, I always admired the black jersey, but for me it’s just playing my best footy for Moana and then if those opportunities come, I’ll take it with both hands.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
