Arrived by surprise in Pia, David Nofoaluma shows the full extent of his talent. At 31, the former NRL star is one of the engines of the Catalan season.
At the end of November 2024, PIA XIII BOURDEREUR announced the arrival of David NOFALUMA to everyone’s surprise. A sacred blow made by the Salanquais club, since David Nofoaluma is 104 trials in 198 NRL matches. Which makes him the best test marker in the history of the West Tigers. Elected best nrl wing in 2020 thanks to its 17 achievements in 20 games, Nofoaluma has become an emblematic figure of one of the Sydney franchises.
But how, then, could Pia get attached to the services of the 31-year-old player? “He met a girl from Perpignan, so he was hereexplains Franck Rovira, the sports manager of the backpackers. He’s a friend with Andrew Bentley (Assistant Coach de Pia)so he came to train with us at first. Then, he explained to us that he was available, that he had no contract and that he was ready to engage with us. “
Indeed, David Nofoaluma saw his second year of contract with the Red Devils of Salford be canceled for extra-sporting reasons. And, after a few training sessions in Palau (Elite 2), it is in favor of PIA that the former West Tigers star has signed up for this Super XIII season. To the delight of Club Pianenc. “It has become a major part of our workforce, it is an X factor”says Rovira.
Rather used to playing on the right wing in its past in NRL, or even in Salford during its two Super League matches in 2024, it was at the back that the international Samoan (3 sel.) And Serbian (2 sel.) Was positioned by the Salanquais staff. “He reassures a lot about this rear position, he unlocked us a lot of situations on the big matches. At the beginning, we did not know where to put it too much, so we tried it in the center, then to the wing. But we needed him in the back. And that suits him perfectly, because he is a player who needs field to make his qualities of speed speak. When he stimulates.Décrypt Rovira, who is also the president of the Perpignan Boxing Club.
At 31, the original Australian still has it under the foot. He proves it to each of his appearances with the backpackers. If he has registered “only” 5 tests in 12 games this season in Super XIII, his contribution to the Catalan group is noticed and remarkable. And he can allow PIA to spend a course and, why not, get his first elite 1 title since 2013. “It has already allowed us to be where we arepointe franck rova. And he can continue to contribute to it on the final phase. In any case, you should know that he arrived through the small door, he made his hole in the team. He feels good at the club and is rather happy with the results. It is an important play within our team. “
This Sunday (3:30 p.m.) against Limoux, David Nofoaluma and Pia will try to win a ticket for the semi-finals. To mark the new turn of the Salanquais club, which is counting on its flagship players to go as far as possible in this season.
