Peter Howe
The title of sports captain at The Grange P-12 Secondary College sits well with rising rugby league star Suliasi Prescott.
Having moved to Australia with his family when he was nine, Prescott has become started to rise up the league ranks while still studying.
“I was deeply honored and proud to be named as the college sports captain,” said a quietly-spoken Prescott.
“[I’m] loud and supportive when I need to be or working in the background urging my teammates and school colleagues on if that is required.”
Prescott started playing rugby league in New Zealand because his brother did, but admits it took a while for him to make a team as he was too small.
Now as a year 12 student, the tables have turned. His brother no longer plays and Prescott has landed a two year contract to play NRL with Melbourne Storm from 2023.
He is already part of the Melbourne Storm development squad, the Hurricanes.
“It was a great honour and I am very proud to be only one of two Victorians to be offered a contract,” he said.
“I play as the number nine or hooker. My mentor at Storm is Brandon Smith. He is an iconic NRL player who has a great mind for tactics and is a very powerful person. I want to crack it at Storm rather than go to Sydney to play with another club.”
Once he arrived in Australia, Prescott quickly established his credentials spending two years with the Werribee Bears, winning the player of the year award twice, four years at Sunshine Cowboys and now with the Truganina Rabbitohs.
Currently, Prescott plays under-18s in the morning and with the men’s team in the afternoon.
He said the biggest thing that had improved for him beside his size was his speed and played a massive part in being selected in a number of state teams.
Prescott “came of age” in an under-15 tournament in Queensland when as captain, and he was named as the tournament most valuable player and made the Australian squad.
As well as studying, Prescott’s training regime is exhausting.
“Mondays and Wednesdays I train with the [Melbourne Storm] Thunderbolts,” he said. “Training includes a 30-minute upper body gym session, 30-minute running or fitness component and an hour and a half of skills and match simulation.
“Tuesdays and Thursdays are with Truganina. We then play on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays. It doesn’t give me much time for a rest but I do love playing.”
Having signed with the Strom for next season, Prescott could find himself playing interstate.
“In 2023 as a contracted Melbourne Storm player I can play with the Thunderbolts or be sent to Queensland to play Colts in Brisbane as part of the Storm’s feeder clubs. I don’t have a preference. I will play where I am asked to play.”
Prescott is the May Don Deeble Sports Award nominee. The award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and The Star Weekly Newspapers.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner contact, swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.
