Toronto Wolfpack youngster Quinn Ngawati out to inspire after incredible rise to the top

One kid is making plenty of noise in rugby league circles in North America - and he has a Kiwi connection.
One kid is making plenty of noise in rugby league circles in North America - and he has a Kiwi connection. Photo credit: Toronto Wolfpack

Quinn Ngawati is a name not many people will be familiar with, but he is a player to watch out for in the future.

The past year has been a wild ride for the Canadian, who has progressed from high school student to professional rugby league player with the Toronto Wolfpack.

After attending a one-week trial, the man from British Columbia was one of three to be offered a contract ahead of the Wolfpack's Inaugural season in English rugby league's third-tier League 1 competition.

His big break came on July 8 in the 55th minute against the Gloucestershire All Golds when he ran onto the field to become Canada's first professional rugby league player.

Ngawati played his second match for the Wolfpack the following week and days later signed a two-year extension with the club.

But what makes Ngawati's journey to the realms of professional rugby league player extra special is how the sport runs through his blood.

His New Zealand-born father Tony grew up loving the13-man code and introduced his son at a young age.

Tony is a former Auckland age-grade representative and is currently involved with the Canada Ravens, who recently competed at the women's Rugby League World Cup in Australia.

"My Dad was responsible for introducing me to rugby league as that was the game he grew up playing," Ngawati told Newshub.

"Many of the basics and small technical aspects of the game I have been able to learn are a result of his teaching."

But his family connection with the oval ball codes doesn't stop there; Ngawati's uncle is former All Black great Waka Nathan and his cousin is Black Ferns Sevens flyer Tyla Nathan Wong. 

Quinn Ngawati against the Gloucestershire All Golds.
Quinn Ngawati against the Gloucestershire All Golds. Photo credit: Toronto Wolfpack

Ngawati attended intermediate school in Tauranga, before returning to New Zealand years later playing rugby at Hamilton Boys High School, and he believes that helped him grow and develop into the player he has become.

"I am very lucky that during my time in New Zealand I was able to spend time with Tyla and the rest of my family and her support group," he said.

"I was able to pick up some great techniques in terms of recovery, preparation and how to act professionally off the field.

"I often look to my relatives for motivation, seeing what they are doing and have done to stay positive and hungry for what I am trying to achieve."

After his stint in New Zealand, he went on to represent Canada in both rugby union and rugby league at age-grade level, but after signing with Toronto he is solely focussed on the 13-man code.

Standing at 194cm tall and weighing 100kgs, he is often referred to as Canada's very own Sonny Bill Williams.

"I am trying to be Quinn Ngawati. I am lucky enough that I am playing in an age where I can watch all the film I want and take characteristics from each player to hopefully create a well-rounded footballer.

"My idol is Sonny Bill Williams and the amount of vision I have watched of him, I wouldn't be surprised if aspects of his game are creeping into mine."

Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley described Ngawati as a conscientious young man and hopes he will continue to relish in the sport. 

Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley.
Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley. Photo credit: Getty Images

"He is progressing well in training," said Rowley. "He has found it very tough and a lot harder than expected being the big fish in the little pond coming from rugby union.

"The potential is there and we have to help him and I will be delighted if he continues on this path and is successful."

Toronto are beginning preparations for the club's second season after a very successful 2017 campaign in which they won 20 of their 22 league games, winning promotion to the Championship where they will face much tougher competition.

In 11 home matches at Lamport Stadium, they had an average attendance of 6,992, and as the season progressed, the city of Toronto started to embrace what the team is trying to achieve.

"Every game there seems to be more and more filling Lamport," said Ngawati. "All the lads feel proud when we're walking through Toronto and see Wolfpack hats.

"Hopefully the following will grow in Toronto and we can draw even larger grows to watch high-level teams and players. Canadians love physical sports and I think we create a good atmosphere for the fans to enjoy the game."

Even though the last year has been a wild ride, Ngawati remains humble as ever about his rapid rise through the ranks.

"I personally am just trying to work as hard as I can to learn and become better at the game. I try not to look at myself being ahead of anyone else. I just want to make the most of the opportunity given to me.

"I think I've shown that there is always opportunity and pathways.

"I want to play at the highest level. I'd love to have the opportunity to keep growing and hopefully win championships."

Newshub.