Faitala Moleka may just be 20 years old, but the young playmaker admits she has to be a little more mature around camp now that she isn’t the youngest Moleka in camp.
Youngest sister Manu’a will head to Fiji alongside Faitala as one of eight uncapped players named in the squad for the first Test.
Catch the Wallaroos take on Fijiana on Saturday live and on-demand via Stan Sport.
The two were in church together when Manu’a found out she was in the Players of National Interest Squad (PONIs) earlier in the year, before getting the special call-up around their Brumbies teammates.
“Jo was trying to contact my sister but we were in the middle of a sermon so we were like ‘oh we can't really answer the phone right now,” Moleka told Rugby.com.au
“As we trained, we both knew at the same time through email that we were selected for the squad. We were just like, ‘Okay it's real now, we’ve got to lock in.’
“They were so happy. I think it's like having their second child in an international squad, they knew how to react and I don't know, they were just really excited for her.
“She was so flabbergasted, speechless because we found out in the gym when we were doing gym at one of the PONIs squads, so we all celebrated together, so it was really good.”
Faitala admits she would be lying if she said the thought of both of them playing together hadn’t crossed her mind.
There’s a spot available in the midfield after Georgina Friedrichs’ finger injury, with the two Molekas enjoying the chance to play together at club level.
“I try not to think about it so I don't get ahead of myself. I've had a little taste of playing with my sister in the Brumbies. On a worldwide stage, I think that would be amazing,” Faitala said.
“It would be a blessing, not just to myself but to our family as well. Just seeing both their daughters succeed in a sport that they really love. I'm thinking about it now and it's a bit surreal.
“I'm a bit nervous for her and for myself. It's something I'm excited to see but something I haven't really thought about yet.”
Moleka’s focus remained on securing her spot in the starting side for the Wallaroos, ready for the testing conditions of Fiji.
“I think with the season that I had last year that put in a bit of confidence in me (but) coming into camps like this, you're never really guaranteed a spot in the team or in the squad," she said.
“I think that's a good thing in terms of growth in the Wallaroo squad everyone being on the same level and everyone competing for that jersey.
“I'm honoured and blessed again to be picked in the squad. Hopefully if I get the starting jersey, it'll be a blessing and an honour. I've got to work real hard because all these girls are so talented here.
“…In a way I'm prepared for what's to come but also unprepared because Fiji, you never really know what they're going to do on the day so that's something to keep my eye out for.”
