The Maruariki family in Rarotonga, New Zealand and Australia will be glued to their television sets this evening when one of their own makes his NRL debut for the Dolphins against Canberra Raiders at 8.30pm (Cook Islands time).

Mason Teague, who has maternal links to Cook Islands, has been named on the bench by Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett.

The 19-year-old Teague is the grandson of former Takuvaine rugby star John Maruariki aka Long John, who now resides in Mangere, New Zealand, and son of Ruta Maruariki, who lives in Sydney.

His grand aunt Tearuru Takai contacted Cook Islands News yesterday to share the news.

“We will definitely be watching him on TV, we are all excited and looking forward to his debut,” Takai said.

“He has been to Rarotonga about four times.”

Teague’s uncle Gerry Masterson, who has been following his nephew’s career since he was a kid, said the whole family from Sydney would be travelling to Redcliffe to support him.

“It’s a proud moment for the family, all the families from Sydney are going to the match to support him.

“We hope Tony Iro (national coach) can convince him to play for the Cook Islands.”

Teague, who captained Penrith U19 in the SG Ball premiership win last season, is looking forward to making an impact in the Dolphins jersey. The premiership win is regarded as one of the best comeback victories in a Grand Final in SG Ball history. Trailing 20-0 against the Sydney Roosters at half-time, they took control of the second half and scored 22 unanswered points. The first points being a try by Teague who inspired his teammates.

Through his consistency and hard work, Teague caught the eye of the Dolphins’ recruitment staff. In particular, Dolphins recruitment chief Peter O’Sullivan was eager to poach him away from Penrith.

Despite offers from O’Sullivan, Teague was set to stay at the Panthers and come through the system as so many other Penrith players had. However, he instantly changed his mind once he spoke to Wayne Bennett.

“I only spoke to Wayne once,” Teague said to News Corp.

“Leading up to that, I wasn't too sure if I wanted to make the commitment to come here. But after speaking to Wayne I was pretty sure I wanted to come here.

“I picked the Dolphins for a fresh start.”
“Being coached by Wayne and a few guys that have been around the game for a while like the Bromwich brothers (Jesse and Kenny) … it was good for me to get the experience under my belt and help me in my career."

Playing as a lock, Teague is lucky to be under the mentorship of multiple representative players at the Dolphins.

Felise Kaufusi and the Bromwich brothers (Jesse and Kenny) are only a few who will help his development as Teague continues to get better.

Dolphins recruitment chief Peter O’Sullivan also spoke to News Corp, regarding Teague’s upcoming debut.

“He won’t be overawed, he is ready to go. He will be a good quality first grader for a number of years,” he said.

“Wayne’s been teaching competing and effort and Mason epitomises that. It’s what his game’s built on.

“The way he played in the trials was him. He was on the ball, involved in three or four tries, and just competing.”

• RK/Zero Tackle