Sam Tagataese, one of the hardest men in a hard game, is contemplating making an unlikely transition from prop to pastor.
Tagataese has been one of the unsung heroes during Cronulla's rise to the top of the NRL ladder, a lofty spot they are occupying for the first time in 16 years. While most of the credit has gone to the halves and outside backs, it's the work Tagataese does up front that makes it possible.
Tagataese is at the top of his game but, at the age of 29, is already preparing himself for life after football. To that end, the Samoan international is undertaking a leadership course that uses the Bible as a reference. It's a way of combining his faith with passion to help in the community and could one day lead him to ministry.
"I'm still going through my walk of faith, I'm still trying to grow and develop myself as a man of faith and a man of God," Tagataese said.
"If that's my calling, to minister, I would be happy to do it. At this stage, I'm still learning, working towards that. If it happens and that's my calling, I'm happy to jump into it.
"I'm just that type of person that wants to help people as well, help communities. I've grown up with religion in my family, I'm a New Zealand boy with a Samoan background. They are a strong, Christian family. When you're young that plays a big role in how you develop through your childhood. My parents instilled in me the religious part and I thank them for that."
Tagataese's current profession and future may appear to be at odds with each other. Off the field he is one of the game's most compassionate players and a leader in the Pacific community. On it, he is a fearless front-rower renowned as one of the NRL's hardest hitters. It's a tension he has discussed recently with his pastor.
"I take the mentality that it's my work, it's my responsibility to the team," he said of his current job.
"Before I used to go in: 'I want to hurt someone, I want to hurt someone'. Just during this course I've learned to go in and compete. If I do hurt someone it's not my intent to hurt them, I'm just competing.
"That's how I find that balance. It's still a learning curve, there's still my old self [thinking] 'I want to hurt this guy' or 'I wanna do something cheeky'.
"Through my walk and this course I'm doing I'm developing my personal skills. I found a balance, so it's been good."
Tagataese was approached to become a State of Mind ambassador at a time when one of his closest mates attempted suicide. Having previously been in a depressive state himself during a difficult period in his life, the former Storm and Titans forward was keen to increase awareness of mental health issues.
"I spoke to one of my mates and he opened up about how he tried to take his life," he said. "I've always said everyone has a story and it's about opening up, telling that story and seeking help."
With the support of a loving family, and with the Sharks on top of the table, Tagataese is in a good head space. The 192-centimetre, 110-kilogram enforcer is now hoping to make history as part of the first Cronulla side to win a grand final.
"I've played with players in Melbourne, like Greg Inglis, made a couple of mates there," he said.
"They have won premierships and I left Melbourne, so I don't want to keep wondering. Hopefully I've found a place here where I can achieve that dream. Especially for a club that has never won a premiership, that would be a milestone for the club and myself."
