Turuva eager to make NRL debut

Vodafone Fiji Bati and Penrith Panthers second stringer is aiming to make his debut in the National Rugby League after putting on a stellar performance against Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

Turuva believes he has done enough to get him a shot at the southern hemisphere's biggest Rugby League stage.

“It would mean a lot to debut. Playing for Fiji is a big thing but an NRL debut would be nice with the boys out there I came through with in the juniors, it would be pretty special,” Turuva told nrl.com.

“Obviously Dylan (Edwards) is there (at fullback) and he’s killing it at the moment with consistent footy.”

Meanwhile, Turuva added that his rise and performance was driven on by the passion and support of his late mother.

“I would’ve loved for mum to be here.

“She was my number one supporter.”

His family poured into the stadium with custom-made T-shirts with a photo of his late mum, which was emotional for the young upcoming star.

“Even when they were messaging me throughout the week saying mum would be so proud I was trying to hold it all in.”

“The family here on both mum and dad’s side got me through it.”

By Noa Biudole