VETERAN centre Junior Sa’u hopes he can inspire Rochdale Hornets’ youngsters after recently reaching the landmark of 350 career appearances.
Sa’u represented Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm in the NRL earlier in his career, before making the move to the UK to join the then Salford Red Devils in 2014.
Since, he has amassed a wealth of experience in Super League, the Championship and League One, linking up with the Hornets ahead of the 2026 season following four seasons with Championship rivals Keighley Cougars.
Sa’u has also played for both New Zealand and Samoa on the international stage, scoring eight tries in nine appearances for the Kiwis between 2009-10 before donning the Samoa jersey twice during the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
“I can remember my 300th game was against Rochdale, so to be able to play my 350th wearing the Hornets jersey, it was a really special feeling,” said Sa’u, who made the milestone appearance in defeat to Newcastle Thunder.
The 39-year-old, who admits things have not always been plain sailing throughout his career, wants to be a role model for the next crop of Hornets players coming through the ranks.
“I guess through the experience in my career, to get to where I’m at now, I had to go through all those physical times where I lost myself. Lost my head in the game and had some issues”, Sa’u continued.
“The more games you play, the more things you learn about yourself. My purpose now is trying to inspire others, especially the younger generation in our team.
“For me as a senior player, it’s making sure they reach their potential. Everyone in our team is there for a reason.
“We’re a team of hard workers and a tight bunch of blokes that are willing to turn up for each other.”