Despite being born in Newcastle, the young winger grew up in Campbelltown, South-West of Sydney. He started playing for the Campbelltown Collegians and quickly gained new skills through his junior club. Climbing his way up, the local product was soon nurtured into the representative ranks, playing overseas in the Australian Schoolboys team in 2010. According to News Limited, Nofoaluma first caught the attention of the Macarthur Chronicle as a teenager when he was nominated for a Junior Sports Star award, after playing for the NSW State of Origin Under-18s side(1). It wasn't long before he was given a spot in the National Youth Championship (NYC), where he was an active member of the Tigers’ 2012 Under 20s premiership-winning side.
Due to injuries amongst the first grade squad in 2013, Nofoaluma was chosen to debut against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in round 10. He wasted no time impressing, with a team-best 12 runs, 121m, four tackle busts and an electrifying linebreak(2). This exceptional personal performance marked the start of his phenomenal first year. Scoring a total of 8 tries in 15 games, averaging 106 metres per game, making 9 line-breaks and representing the junior Kangaroos, the (then) 19 year old became a huge hit with fans, providing excitement and hope in an otherwise disappointing year.
Lastly, who could forget the young wingers freakish, awe-inspiring try against the Manly Sea Eagles in round 20? Playing at his favorite home ground, Campbelltown Stadium, Nofoaluma soared high above the ground in the in-goal area, after chasing a cross-field bomb by Benji Marshall. Somehow twisting his body in the air, he miraculously managed to ground the ball. The spectacular try gained media attention around the world and was awarded the 2013 Dally M Try of the Year.
After an explosive first season, it was clear this wonder-kid would be a star of the future. Thanks to a speedy effort by the Wests Tigers and some guidance by Nofoaluma's manager, Sam Ayoub, the young winger has re-signed with his club until the end of the 2017 season.
During a press conference following his contract signing, he said, "My manager Sam Ayoub had a few options and offers but he knew I wanted to stay at the club. Being a local junior plays a big part and to be able to stay at the club is something special. Wests Tigers home is here (Campbelltown) and Leichhardt obviously. To be a part of it is something special.(3)"
Speaking to the media after the Tigers beat the Cowboys 16-4 at his beloved Campbelltown on Saturday, Nofoaluma said (in regards to him re-signing), "Everyone here at Campbelltown has congratulated me and the Wests Tigers fans had the chance to say thanks and congratulate me and I appreciate that a lot. I'm happy that I'm staying as a Tiger.(4)"
The fact he wanted to re-sign with the team that he grew up supporting is a huge credit to the Tigers.
After his debut game last season he said, "I started in under-6s and this is what every kid dreams to play and I got my opportunity, so I made the most of it."
He sure has made the most of it. Following a whirlwind year and a consistent start to the 2014 season, the future is looking bright for David Nofoaluma.
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