When it came to making the most of his opportunities in 2023, prolific try scorer Clayton Faulalo did more than just grab it with both hands. He smashed it out of the park.
In a memorable debut season in the NSW Cup, Faulalo scored 29 tries in 24 games for the Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles to be the competition’s leading tryscorer, finishing eight clear of his nearest rival.
He also made 69 tackle breaks, 29 line breaks, and had four try assists. Furthermore, he scored two hat-tricks, both against the Warriors.
Faulalo’s impressive form certainly played its part in Blacktown Workers qualifying for their first ever NSW Cup finals since forming a team with Manly for the 2017 season.
The 23-year-old was recognised for his superb efforts by taking out the Players’ Player award for the Blacktown Workers.
Just as dangerous at full-back, wing or centre, Faulalo found a home at Blacktown Workers this year after previous stints at Wentworthville Magpies (Ron Massey Cup) last year and the Parramatta Eels (Jersey Flegg) in 2021.
Faulalo said he was very grateful to have made the move to Blacktown in his quest to play NSW Cup.
“I just wanted to play NSW Cup and play the best footy that I can, irrespective of how many tries I’d score,’’ Faulalo said.
“I don’t mind what position I play but if I had to choose, ideally it be at full-back. It allows me to roam a bit more there, but I’m just happy to play anywhere.
“As a team, we set ourselves a goal and I think we exceeded that.
“There was such a tight connection amongst the Blacktown Workers boys. It was more like a brotherhood there and it certainly helped with the success we had.
“Whether it was scoring one or 29 tries, I just wanted to do my job for the boys.
“I was just lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. It has certainly been an enjoyable season.”
Dean Matterson, who took out Blacktown Workers’ Best and Fairest award, said Faulalo deserved the success.
“Clayton is just a real humble guy,’’ Matterson said.
“Wherever he is on the field, I swear the ball just seems to find him. He’s a top bloke and deserved the great year that he had.”
As for 2024, Faulalo wants to take his game to the next level after seeing Blacktown team-mates Samuela Fainu, Matterson, and hooker Gordon Chan Kum Tong make their NRL debuts for Manly this year.
He said training with the Sea Eagles NRL squad had also opened his eyes in his growth as a player.
“Just being around the NRL team, you learn first-hand from the senior players about how they prepare for training and the way they conduct themselves,’’ Faulalo added.
“It rubs off on you and it can only help and inspire you to become a better player.
“I have seen it with Samuela, ‘Matto’, and Gordie with their NRL debuts.
“It would be nice to follow them. It would be a dream come true.”
