Teenager Manu’a Moleka admits she’s all out of tears after a wild build to her Wallaroos World Cup call-up.
18-year-old Moleka has been added to the Wallaroos squad to travel to England after the injury to Charlotte Caslick.
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It continues a crazy year for the younger sister of playmaker Faitala, who made her Super Rugby W debut with the ACT Brumbies earlier in the year.
“The last 48 hours have been hectic. A lot of panic packing just chucking everything in the suitcase,” she told reporters.
“I was at my niece's school and literally was outside going home, and [coach Jo Yapp] called me to say we’d like to invite you to the World Cup.
“[Older sister Faitala] was really excited and happy, which made me happy.”
Moleka has spent the majority of the year in the camp without getting her shot at a debut Test.
When the initial Wallaroos World Cup squad was revealed to players, Moleka was the lone player with the team not selected, having been brought in as cover for Georgina Friedrichs.
“It was very tough to be the only one that didn't make it,” she admits.
“I was very overwhelmed. I was crying but I was so happy for everyone else who made it, because they really deserved to be there.”
Now, Moleka has her own moment to celebrate and savour after a special year.
“I'm out of tears, to be honest. I've cried too many tears. The tears are gone,” she said and smiled.
“My goal and the dream was just to play alongside my sister at the Brumbies. The Wallaroos wasn't really in the picture, but if I made it, I made it. When I made it, I was like ‘Oh, I guess I should keep going’.
“…I can't cry anymore but I’m very happy, very grateful.”
The Wallaroos travelled to England on Monday ahead of next Saturday’s opening match against Samoa in Manchester.
