From TCC Confraternity heroics to carving out her spot in the backs, Nhi’arla Faiumu Malone is a rising star who plays with heart and hustle. A proud Confraternity champion and Cowboys dreamer, she’s all about going hard in everything she does — whether that’s rugby league, her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, or putting pen to paper with her artistic side. With a love of Tyler the Creator, steak and mash after a big game, and a knack for drawing, Nhi’arla is as creative off the field as she is determined on it. One thing’s for sure — she’s not scared to ask questions, get involved, and make her mark.

#OnTheField

Position: Back (General)
First Memory Playing Rugby League: Playing for TCC
Who Introduced You to the Game: My dad introduced me to rugby league.
Career Highlight: Being a part of the Confraternity winning squad.
Most Memorable Game: TCC Confraternity 2023
Personal Goal for the Year: To increase my understanding of the game.
Biggest Lesson Footy Has Taught You: To go hard with everything you do all the time.
Advice for Young Players: Don’t be scared to do anything — don’t be scared to start, don’t be scared to get involved, don’t be scared to ask questions.

#OffTheField

If You Weren’t a Footballer: Currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science, so probably that.
Childhood Hero: My parents
Favourite Game-Day Pump-Up Song: Anything Tyler the Creator
Hobbies: Sports, study, gym, music and arts
Favourite Post-Game Meal: Steak, mash or chips and veggies
Hidden Talent: I can draw pretty decent
Favourite Sports Team (Outside Rugby League): Manchester United (soccer)
Best Advice You’ve Ever Received: Go hard
Favourite Holiday Destination: England or New Zealand
Dream Team You’d Love to Play For: Cowboys
Dream Player You’d Love to Play With: Kira Dibb

#CaprasFavourites

Game Day Snacks: Nature Valley muesli bar, PB&J, any fruit
Favourite Movies of All Time: 10 Things I Hate About You, Coraline, Guardians of the Galaxy
Favourite Meals: Steak with chips or mash and veggies; lasagna with garlic bread and salad; pizza and pasta
Sporting Idols: Manaia Faiumu Malone, David Faiumu, Tamika Upton
Bucket List Destinations: Japan, Greece, Samoa
Things You Can’t Live Without: My phone, money, sports

#TeamTalk

Worst Drills at Training: Warm up, chicken pen, full field conditioning with active rest
Embarrassing Moments on the Field: Dropping the ball, bad passes, missing tackles
Team Pest: Lydia Durkin
Always Late to Training: Taylor Hook
Takes the Longest to Get Ready: Alexis Bukowski
Wouldn’t Want to Be Stuck on a Desert Island With: Manaia Faiumu Malone
Best Dressed on the Team: Tiana Harbin
Worst Dressed on the Team: Manaia Faiumu Malone
Biggest Joker on the Team: Gemma