HUNTING SZN - 2022 Victoria University Rugby League
Horoymana Fuimaono (he/him; Solosolo, Samoa)
I’m Horoymana Fuimaono (aka bobo, aka bobunda, aka Wing of the Decade, aka 50th game premier player). I play in the Premier Team for the Victoria University Hunters Rugby League Team (the cooler version of the OBU team). One thing that I really felt we needed and gained by the end of the season as a club was team culture. Team culture to me brings unity, trust and safety. Without team culture - what is a team?
I’ve been a loyal Hunter for 7 years. You could say that it’s part of my development as the person I am today. When I look around me in the club, I idolise a few of the boys and what they’ve done to become the players they are. To be a strong player often we see the most important things are strength and commitment, but I come from a background of a different weight mass, so it's important we play our game in order to play well - so really you just need a lot of tika. I started playing in 2015, my brothers are the sole reason I decided to play. What better opportunity to play the sport you love with the people that inspire me the most, My brothers.
I started as a wing; despite my size, I had mongrel, speed and strength so could make tackles most people can't make ;) . Following that, 2018, I made the transition from wing to loose forward. I had a small frame and a rugged playing style but that meant I ended up getting my first severe injury in the beginning of 2019, which put me out for the remainder of the season. Coming off a rough year, I made my return the following year and boom! Ruined my shoulder. Was looking forward to making another return and once again! Broke my hand.
Looking back at my career as a Hunter, I've been fortunate enough to meet a good group of people who have helped me develop as a person and a player. I’ve had a pretty unfortunate 3 years due to injury. During this time, I've seen how hard the team and the club have struggled to get players to play and the team culture diminish. My family and some of the veterans have taken initiative and focused on the things that this club needs moving forward. This has included huge developments for the club including:
Sick training gear
A women’s team - Hunters baddies
A Hunter’s haka
Investment into juniors (under 6s & 12s)
The chance to attend O Au o Le Samoa Course
Coming off this year's season, I’ve adjusted to playing centre and I’ve been fortunate enough to go uninjured and was able to hit my 50th premier game. No club I would rather hit this milestone with. The Hunters have grown into a home for central Wellington League players, and the foundations of us are built upon the hard work of family, club veterans who have put time and effort into who we are as a club. Who are we? Hunters! aima’a baby.