Born: March 27, 1981 – Auckland Test record: 2 Tests (2003-04) – 4 goals (8 points)
Gifted and versatile, Sione Faumuina played a memorable role in the tail-end of the Warriors first golden era. The back-rower/half/centre’s tally of just two Tests is an indicator of a wayward talent, but he was at the forefront of an unforgettable victory on Kiwis debut.
The Glenora Bears junior represented the Junior Kiwis in 2000 after joining Canberra Raiders. He made his NRL debut in 2001 while still a teenager and turned out in 11 games in the top flight for the Raiders, before returning home to join the Warriors.
Faumuina played eight games for the Warriors in 2002 but missed out on the minor premiers’ historic run to the grand final. He became a permanent member of the first-choice side in 2003, however, and eventually cemented a place at lock, where he has virtually untouchable in the Warriors’ stunning 48-22 qualifying final demolition of the Bulldogs.
Starting at five-eighth for the post-season Test against Australia, the sublimely skilled 22-year-old was a constant attacking threat and kicked three goals as New Zealand powered to an amazing 30-16 win at North Harbour Stadium.
Faumuina was retained at five-eighth for the 2004 Anzac Test, slotting a goal in a 37-10 loss in Newcastle.
The Warriors’ fortunes plummeted around this time, but Faumuina nevertheless remained a back-row regular while also filling in at centre and five-eighth (as well as having a brief late-season stay with Hull FC in 2005) until the departure to North Queensland at the end of 2006 following repeated episodes of off-field misbehaviour.
Faumuina, who turned out for the Warriors 88 times, played 32 games for the Cowboys over the next two seasons but that stint, too, came to an abrupt halt during 2008 after another incident away from the paddock.
He played with Castleford in 2009 but was released by mutual consent during that campaign and returned to New Zealand.
Since retiring from professional football, Faumuina has bravely shared his story and become an advocate for men’s health and wellbeing.
