Experiences in life can teach us a lot of things. 

They can either break us down or make us stronger. 

For N.R.L Star, David Nofoaluma, his experiences in life have helped him.

Known for his superb strenuosity, the 22-year-old Samoan who was born and raised in Australia has opened up to the media about the story of his life prior becoming a star in NRL. 

He told Staff Writers of Fox Sports of how he went from rock bottom to making his NRL debut. 

Before he became a NRL star with West Tigers, he was homeless. 

Fast forward to today, he has over 50 NRL games to his name. 

And today, he is humble and excited to be in Samoa representing the Toa Samoa against their game with the Fiji Bati on Saturday. 

“Being in Samoa is very special for me,” he told the Samoa Observer.  “This is my first time here in Samoa and I was born in Australia and I think coming here, it’s a beautiful place, and it’s what I expected and I am excited to represent Toa Samoa.”

Although he was born and raised in Australia, Nofoaluma said it was has been a dream for him to wear the blue jersey for Samoa. 

“It was a dream when I was a kid to be part of the Toa Samoa team. 

“I grew up with my grandparents and they both had very special connections to their heritage and culture here in Samoa. I’m a Samoan who was born in Australia, and I could only speak Samoan when I was four years old. So coming to Samoa to represent Samoa is something very special for me.” 

Nofoaluma said playing in front of Samoa is something he cannot wait to do.

“I am excited to play in front of the whole nation and I think the crowd will make me even stronger and especially going against Fiji. I think that if we have a big crowd, it’s going to mean a lot for us.”

What got him into playing rugby league? 

“My grandfather got me into playing rugby league at a young age,” said Nofoaluma. 

“I was only five years old when I first started playing and I didn’t want to stop ever since then. He put a lot of faith in me to play rugby league and now here I am representing Samoa.”

Moreover, he said he is very happy to be in Samoa not only to represent Samoa, but also in time for the 30th Anniversary of Rugby League in Samoa. 

“This is an historical game, especially as our country is celebrating 30 years of rugby league in Samoa.

“And this is also the first international rugby league game in Samoa. So I am very honored to be part of this special era of rugby league in Samoa. 

“I know the whole world will be watching and the Samoan communities from all around the world will be watching the game on Saturday and they will be cheering for us. And I think that will mean most to all of us. 

“And that will motivate us to do our best because we know that the whole country and the also Samoans living overseas are right behind us all the way.”

David is contracted with Wests Tigers through until the end of the 2017 season. He plays as a wing, fullback and centre.