Developing Sydney Roosters star Salesi Foketi has commended fellow back-rower, Angus Crichton, for his mentorship as the young forward locks down a starting position for his club's finals campaign.
With Crichton departing the NRL next year for the NSW Waratahs in Rugby Union, Foketi has been touted as his long-term replacement.
Crichton has missed the last two to three months following a stress fracture in his foot that required surgery; this granted Foketi his opportunity to impress Trent Robinson and secure a starting position.
Foketi told NRL.com he has watched and learned from Crichton's playing style.
"Seeing the way Gussy trains and the way he plays every time he takes the field is inspiring," Foketi said.
"Being able to learn from him, seeing how he goes about it all and picking up tiny details from him is huge. It's helped me tremendously out there on the field."
Foketi made his debut for the Roosters in the first round of last year and has since chalked up 42 appearances for the club.
The 20-year-old will be aiming to represent New Zealand in the upcoming Rugby League World Cup while also being eligible to represent Tonga.
Roosters teammates have commended Foketi in his finals performance last week against the Penrith Panthers. He had been sick all week in the lead-up to the match and was only approved to play hours before they kicked off.
Roosters enforcer Victor Radley said he was impressed with the youngster's ambition.
"He could have easily said 'it's not for me today' just to cover his own backside, but he said 'no, I want to turn up and give it my all'. We ended up needing him to play big minutes, so it's super impressive," Radley said.
"Salesi's character is the most impressive thing.
"He puts his teammates first, you can tell in his effort areas and what he works on in his game."
Foketi will be marking up on Cronulla Sharks powerhouse Briton Nikora on Saturday night, an opportunity for Foketi to establish his international duties for the Kiwis.
