Parramatta Eels forward Tepai Moeroa today addressed the media as the Eels unveiled a new partnership with Life Education Australia.
Moeroa was on hand with fellow teammates Tim Mannah, Jamal Fogarty and Siosaia Vave as the Club launched the partnership at Castle Hill Public School with some of the local students.
However the initial focus was on Moeroa’s new look, and how it played an impact on his game.
“Over the preseason, I thought I would sport a new look!” Moeroa said.
“The fans like the hair so I thought I would add the glasses.” He joked.
“I am trying to slim down so I can play in the middle and be more mobile.”
Focusing on the Eels v Life Education Partnership Launch, Moeroa knows that initiatives and school visits like the one he undertook today can have a big impact on the school children and community the Parramatta Eels visit.
Despite his young age, Moeroa knows the importance of being a role model.
“I have done some of these things through the Club with our visits to schools to share messages about healthy eating, healthy lifestyle,” Moeroa said.
“As a kid growing up, you are looking for someone to imitate and if you see our sporting heroes preaching about healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle it gets in your mind that if you want to be successful and be where they are, that is the pathway to take. “
“I was trying to imitate Sonny-Bill Williams but I don’t quite have the offload that he always seems to be able to get out!” Moeroa added.
With the Eels set to take on the Gold Coast Titans this week, and the Club looking for its third victory to start the season, Moeroa said the Blue & Gold have a fire in their belly and a point to prove.
“We have had a good start to the season but there are always things to work on,” Moeroa said.
“After what happened last year, and all the turmoil we went through, there is definitely a lot to prove.” He added.
“A team that can play finals footy and a team that can throw it down with the big boys.”
The Eels kick off against the Gold Coast Titans on Friday 17 March, kick off at 7:05pm local time (8:05pm AEDT).
Click here to see all the details on the Parramatta Eels and Life Education Partnership Launch.
