AJ Leaga Mini : « I am excited to be playing for my family, friends and for Carcassonne »
AJ Leaga Mini, new player from Carcassonne XIII, talks about his choice to join this club and his ambitions for next season.
Can you introduce yourself ?
My name is AJ Leaga Mini. I am of Samoan descent and was born and raised in West Auckland, NZ. What I love doing most apart from footy is quality time with my beautiful family and partner.
Why did you leave to Australia in QLD to play in Carcassonne in Elite 1 ?
« Time and tide wait for no man » as Mum would say. Opportunities like this don’t come around for many people and I am fortunate that Cyril Cabrol and Fred Camel popped the question and are taking a shot on me. I have always desired to better myself in whatever I do. By coming to France, it pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces me to grow. Though it might be uncomfortable, the cool thing is that it encourages others to go out of their comfort zone and push themselves. This opportunity of going to Carcassonne wouldn’t of happened if I didn’t move to Australia first. I’d also like to David Fusitu’a for helping me getting started here in Australia.
Did you follow the elite 1 championship before you come ?
Yes but I only followed a specific player named Chase Bernard for the Albi Tigers. He attended Kelston Boys High School with my older brother and when I heard he was going to France to play in the elite 1 championship, I thought « I would love to do that too. » Its so encouraging when you hear people in your town doing great things. He is definitely a player to watch out for this season!
Looking at your highlights, you can play centre, second row and lock what do you prefer ?
I would like to play centre as I have seen how strong the Carcassonne forward pack is offensively and defensively. My skills would help compliment on the edge but the team comes first. Wherever the coach tells me to play, I will do it to the best I can. Thank you to the Currumbin Eagles and coaches for helping me learn each position in depth and getting my game to where it is now.
What are your ambitions for next season?
A championship. Hearing Carcassonne was in the finals last year, I only want to add to the team. Seeing the amount of experience in our team, I am keen to learn from the top team in the elite 1 championship. I am excited to be playing for my family, friends and for Carcassonne.
Treize Mondial
