Two 'beasts' inspiring Dolphins powerhouse Finefeuiaki

West Australian

13-05-2025

Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has two beasts on his mind right now.
The first is Greg Inglis, whom he wants to emulate in the State of Origin arena for Queensland, and the other is 19-year-old wrecking ball Leka Halasima, whom he wants to overpower in Sunday's clash with the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium.
The 21-year-old Dolphins second-rower was born in New Zealand but moved to Ipswich as an 11-year-old where he played junior footy for Redbank Plains and then Ipswich State High, where he was noticed.
Inglis was a shining light for the Maroons, mostly at centre, but Finefeuiaki was hooked on the Origin concept after watching the physicality of his play.
"Greg Inglis - I know it's a bit out of my position - but watching him play for Queensland he was just another beast," Finefeuiaki said.
"Just the aggression he carries when he runs the ball and defends, and the way he just puts his hand up for everything. I watch his highlights here and there, so it's pretty cool and I want to try and do that.
"To be a Queenslander is pretty cool because my older brother goes for NSW, and when it comes to that time I don't like him."
The Maroons will name their side on Monday for the Origin series opener on May 28 and although Finefeuiaki is not expected to be named in game one, he is considered a future Queensland representative.
"Woolfy (coach Kristian Woolf) said a big part of my game is bringing that aggression, both sides of the ball," Finefeuiaki said.
"I just want to do that for the boys and to play Origin would be a dream come true, but we'll have to wait for that one."
Finefeuiaki enjoys confrontation and one-on-one battles and is hoping to get one over the in-form Halasima on Sunday.
"Their young star Leka Halasima is flying at the moment. I think I'm going up against him on that edge, so I reckon it will be a good test for me and no doubt a good battle for us two young Tongan boys," Finefeuiaki said.
"There will be a bit of backchat here and there, but it's all part of the game. He's probably going to have some little jokes here and there to try and make me laugh, but I don't know if I'll fall into that."
Finefeuiaki was outstanding in the 20-16 win over Parramatta last week after being disappointed with his previous two displays.
"I probably missed a few kick chases, that's my job for the team to try get down on those kick chases and make the first tackle and second tackles, but I recognise I just didn't," he said.
"I was pretty filthy with myself, but the boys had my back and told me to keep moving forward.
"To come away with the win (against Parramatta) was pretty good. The boys turned up and wanted to play, and especially getting a win down in Sydney - which is pretty tough to do - overall it was a good performance."