By JARROD POTTER
TALENT runs in the veins for Ali Okusitino-Felise as he embarks on a school sport rugby trip.
Ali, 11, from Springvale South, has already starred on Keysborough Primary School’s rugby tag team and hopes to take his moves to the state level as the School Sport Victoria half-back.
Through his four uncles – Mark, Luka, John and Ross – Ali found the family passion for rugby league at Doveton-based rugby league club South East Titans and has been in great form in the Victorian Rugby League under-12 competition.
“Since I was six – just like the hard running and tackling,” Ali said.
“We’re pretty good because no teams have scored tries against us and I’m in the back – normally half-back.
“I like playing there because you normally get the ball and get to do any of your moves – either pass the ball or run it.”
Finding out he was in the state rugby league team was a thrill enough for Ali, but hearing his cousin Patrick Maka had made the team as well made the announcement extra special.
“I was happy and excited the day when mum told me I was picked,” Ali said.
“Patrick made the team too – he’s my cousin.”
His hopes for the Wollongong-based championships are simple enough – he wants to score as many tries as he can and meet a few new mates along the way.
“I reckon we’re going to do pretty good,” Ali said.
“We’ve got a good forward pack and a good back pack.
“I really want to be the half-back but I’m normally hooker – I like dummying the ball and running it – or passing it to my friends.”
Ali’s extended family talent also features two more of his cousins – Quadriell and Shaquille Faiva – who are state track and field champions.
Ali wanted to thank his mum Linda, his uncles and his grandparents Lina and Alosio Felise for their support.
“I would like to thank my mum for supporting me and coming to all my games and bringing me to all of the trainings and my uncles for helping my mum,” Ali said.
Ali and his cousin Patrick Maka, who attends Noble Park Secondary College, will head to the School Sport Australia 12-and-under Rugby League Championships from 6-14 August in Wollongong.
