Hopes of a happy homecoming in Kaufusi's Bundaberg return

It may officially be a Bulldogs game, but Dolphins forward Felise Kaufusi will enjoy the home ground advantage when the two sides meet in Bundaberg on Saturday.

As part of the NRL Telstra Premiership Footy Country Series, which is celebrating and supporting rugby league communities in regional Australia during the 2024 season, we're finding out more about fostering talent from outside of the big smoke.

The series kicked off in April this year and comprises 10 themed NRL and NRLW games in total, across nine regional locations, including this week's match between the Bulldogs and Dolphins.

Kaufusi grew up in cane country, playing for Bundaberg Brothers as a junior, with his brothers Antonio and Patrick also part of the club that they famously joined by accident.

Antonio paved the way for his brothers, playing with Melbourne Storm, Newcastle, Bulldogs and the Cowboys in his 151-game NRL career and was also selected for Queensland and made his State of Origin debut in 2007, while younger brother Patrick is currently playing with Townsville Blackhawks in the Hostplus Cup.

Born in New Zealand with Tonga family heritage, the family originally signed up the boys to play thinking it was a rugby union club, before later growing to love and excel in the game.

“(We signed with) Brothers Rugby League, it was by accident; the story is we went to Brothers Rugby League Club thinking it was rugby union and ended up it was league,” Kaufusi said.

“So from then, we played with Brothers all through my juniors up until I was nearly 18.

“All the brothers played in Bundaberg … and Antonio, he loves his coaching. He's been coaching the Across The Waves side who's affiliated with the Dolphins – they are rivals to Brothers – but affiliated with the Dolphins.”

While it is a Bulldogs home game with their partnership with Bundaberg City Council, the Dolphins also have a footprint in the region, with Kaufusi saying the decision of NRL clubs to take games to regional areas like his home town – and provide further support with development programs – would provide long term benefits and inspiration to aspiring NRL and NRLW players.

“It is great to get back to the regional communities,” Kaufusi said.

“I think we've got a lot of reach there with the Dolphins and hopefully we can take over that area.

“The Dolphins have put a lot into the regional towns, especially in Bundaberg, some pathways there and a lot of clinics.

“(For aspiring players) usually kids … have to come to Brisbane or Sunny Coast, a lot bigger cities, but now with the pathways programs, the amount of work that Dolphins are doing to create those opportunities – it's awesome and it just gives young kids coming through that opportunity and that pathway to get into the NRL.

“We've certainly made some pathways for young kids coming through.

“I know it's a Doggies home game, but I'm hoping we can take over.”

This week, the match will take place at Salter Oval, the scene of many a junior grand final for his family, with Kaufusi looking forward to occasion as his side attempt to upset the Bulldogs and keep their finals hopes on track.

“Obviously I grew up in Bundaberg, so it's pretty special for me and my family who's still up there at the moment and I think it's just a bonus for myself, let alone the club to be playing there. It definitely does feel like a home game for me.

“Growing up, Salter Oval was like our Suncorp, it’s where you play in your grand finals. It was in front of the big grandstand; all the big games were at Salter Oval, so I have plenty of fond memories of being back there and I can't wait.

“It’s going to be a good challenge; they're going really well and where we're at in the ladder, we need to win this games.

“It doesn't matter how ugly it is.

“We went to golden point and we gave up a big lead against the Warriors last week, but managed to get to win, so I don't care how ugly it is, as long as we get the win and keep ourselves in the eight.”

This is the third year the Bulldogs have taken a home game to the region, with both teams also set to take part in community engagements before Saturday afternoon's game.