Tauuta Reds Mr Cool at the back

Written by Filo Taituuga

Tau’uta Reds fullback Mesui Lemoto, is Mr Cool, calm, and collective behind the Reds defensive line.  The quietly spoken 22-year old Mesui single handedly guided the Reds to an emphatic 15-14 victory over Savaii last Friday night.

Mesui landed five penalty kicks at goal with dire precision and accuracy that silenced the normally vocal home crowd like lambs to slaughter.

At 22-years of age, the quietly spoken Bachelor of Environmental student, takes it in his stride, but openly admits he is making up for lost time.  “Last year I played just the one PRC match which was against Upolu and I got injured,” he said.  “I’m better now and over my injury and just trying to enjoy my rugby.”

A brief spell from rugby has given Mesui more enthusiasm and hunger to return to the Reds jersey and to stake a claim for the Ikale Tahi side.  "I made the Ikale Tahi side in 2007, and played one match against Fiji.”
“My goal is to play for Tonga again and hopefully play professional rugby.”

Since making his debut for the Reds two years ago, he has become a crowd favourite with his all too familiar elusive running, jinks, weave and kicking skills.  The conspicuous hairdo and goatie might have gone, but it doesn’t take much to notice the familiar face wearing the number 15 Reds jersey.

 “We have a different team this year but a lot of boys have been involved with the Reds over the last few years, since the PRC started,” he said.

“I think those boys who have been here since 2006, are just coming right now, and their experience is really starting to show out there on the field.”  Mesui expects Friday’s game against Upolu to be a tough contest, but he is confident the Reds will be up for the challenge.  For the petite fullback, its business as usual, ensuring all is safe from the back.