David Nofoaluma hints at Salford stay after travelling the world to play
DAVID Nofoaluma is back in his happy place – on the other side of the world.
And he is so glad to be back on a rugby league pitch again, he may even stay at Salford.
The winger made his first appearance since August in the Red Devils- 22-12 Super League loss to Wigan last Thursday.
During that time, he was released from his deal at NRL side Wests Tigers, for whom he is their record try scorer, and flown 10,000 miles from Australia after a call from Salford assistant Krisnan Inu.
Now he has tasted action again, he wants more and is open to extending his stay as life in England is going great.
Nofoaluma said: “I’ve definitely left everything behind but for me, it’s just doing what’s best for myself. If that’s staying here long term, I’ll stay. If it’s going back, I’ll go back.
“But I’m enjoying myself here and if you ask me now, I’m lucky to be here but I can’t decide what will happen in the future.
“I feel like I made the right decision. What I did in Australia, I’m happy with a lot of my achievements but I just felt like I needed a change.
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“There’s no better way than going across the world and coming here. So far I’ve been happy and that’s how life should be.
“And I like the anonymity here, I don’t like attention when I’m out. When I was at Melbourne Storm, I enjoyed being able to go out without being hassled.”
Nofoaluma, 30, had to kick his heels before making his Salford debut as the Red Devils pushed the world champions all the way.
But not being thrown straight in may also be a good thing as he is used to their style of play – and the English weather.
He added: “I already had a connection with Krisnan. Just having that made me feel comfortable in that I know someone here and he explained what the culture’s like and what’s being built – it’s something I took interest in.
“And one of the pitches they gave me was their style. I like moving the ball and running rugby, that fits my style of play.
“Waiting was all part of me taking some time to settle in, adjust to the weather, get over jet lag, all those things. I’ve done that and can only get better from here.
“It was most definitely good to be back on a field. The main thing is enjoying being back playing, it had been a long time but it’s what I do.
“And I’d been in the sun in Australia for 30 years, so a bit of rain won’t hurt!”
Nofoaluma gets his first taste of an away game as Salford travel to Hull KR for tonight’s Challenge Cup last 16 tie.
And Rovers boss Willie Peters hopes his forwards put their hand up to lead the pack in the absence of George King.
He said: “I want them to say who wants the longer minutes and who’s going to be our enforcer-type front rower?
“We’ve got some choices there and I’m looking for who wants to play for longer and make an impact each game.”