Herman Ese’ese faces old club rejuvenated in body and mind
BULLDOGS discard Herman Ese’ese has revealed how he overcame money troubles and blowing out to 128kg to become the Broncos’ No. 1 metre-eating prop.
Ese’ese will confront his turbulent past on Thursday night when the hulking prop faces his former teammates in tonight’s Broncos-Bulldogs showdown at ANZ Stadium.
There are few better redemption stories than Ese’ese. Two years ago, the quietly-spoken Samoan was so emotionally broken and financially stressed he quit the Bulldogs to find happiness by reuniting with family in Brisbane.
At his lowest ebb, Ese’ese ballooned to 128kg. He stopped training and gorged on junk food, convinced the NRL career he so desperately craved had evaporated.
On Thursday, the 22-year-old visits his former club rejuvenated in body and mind. He has shed 20kg and is in the best shape of his career to take on a monster Bulldogs pack as Brisbane’s most prolific metre-gaining forward.
Despite averaging only 35 minutes off the bench in four games, Ese’ese has amassed 448 metres to outperform starting props Adam Blair (388m) and Korbin Sims (336m).
Ese’ese on Wednesday opened up about his nightmare at the Bulldogs and the $20,000 lifeline from Souths Logan that paved the way for his second coming at the Broncos.
“The Bulldogs were a good club, but life in Sydney was just too much for me,” he said.
“I just lost my way. I was on a small wage at the Bulldogs and it was tough to get by. I couldn’t even pay the rent some weeks.
“I never wanted to quit the game totally. I love rugby league and I just felt if I could come home to Brisbane, I might be able to start again.
“I’m really grateful to Souths Logan and the Broncos for giving me a chance. At one stage, I was 128kg. I was eating anything and not focusing on my career, but I’ve knuckled down now and I’m really enjoying my football again.’’
Amid the big names in Brisbane’s pack, Ese’ese is a shy, unassuming, quiet achiever starting to make noises with his explosive bursts off the interchange bench.
Good judges at the Broncos rate Ese’ese one of the most gifted young props in the code.
He was first picked up by Noel Cleal, the former Bulldogs scout and NSW and Test back-rower. At 108kg, Ese’ese is not only big, but also quick and skilful. He can play before the line or use the ball in traffic.
In the Intrust Super Cup last season, he regularly charged for more than 200 metres a game. His ability to free his arms and offload is reminiscent of Broncos veteran Corey Parker.
“He is Brisbane’s bargain buy,” said manager Simon Mammino, who invited Ese’ese into his home and provided a bed to sleep in when he quit the Bulldogs.
“He would have stayed at the Bulldogs, but life in Sydney was just too expensive for him.
“The Bulldogs were very good in allowing him to come back (to Brisbane). Raelene Castle (Bulldogs CEO) was great in understanding his welfare issues.
“There was no motive for wanting out. The Broncos weren’t in the picture at the time, but he just wanted to come home and get his life in order.
“He worked as a furniture removalist to appreciate what he had with football.
“Herman is one of the best young front-row talents I have seen. He has some work to do, no doubt, but talent-wise he ticks a lot of boxes.
“His next challenge is consistency week-to-week and getting a starting spot.
“The Broncos have been great for him. He’s got his love for rugby league back.’’
Broncos coach Wayne Bennett praised Ese’ese’s contributions from the bench.
“He’s coming on when everyone else is getting tired,” he said. “He’s doing the job we want him to do and that’s what he’s there for.
“I’m really happy with what he’s doing. He’s been tremendous.’’
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