Former Fiji Bati and Newcastle Knights player Akuila Uate is living his dream and is just one game away from his first ever Premiership Final.
Uate's proud and emotional mother Loami Kula said she never imagined that her son would be a star in rugby league.
56 year old Kula added that life back in the day for her was really difficult, having to support and raise her five children after parting ways with her husband.
She added that Uate was not good in the classroom but loved rugby.
Kula also said Uate informed her last night that he has been selected to play against the Roosters in the NRL preliminary final this weekend.
An emotional Kula said she cannot stand seeing her son in action, fearing the big tackles and the chances of him getting injured.
Uate left for Australia when he was sixteen.
Kula also confirmed that Uate is originally from Nasaqalau, Lakeba, Lau, but always wanted to be known as a Votua, Nadroga boy as he was raised there.
Uate's Newcastle Knights will face Sonny Bill Williams Roosters at 9.45pm this Saturday while the South Sydney Rabbitohs will meet the Manly Sea Eagles at 9.45pm this Friday.
Story by: Rusiate Baleilevuka
