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'I grew up watching her play' - Isaiah Papali'i over the moon after matching mum's Test status

November 12, 2018
Isaiah and Lorina Papali'i

Kiwis forward Isaiah Papali'i couldn't hide his delight after notching his first cap for New Zealand - matching the feat of his mother, Lorina.

When Papali'i junior stepped onto the field in the Kiwis' 34-0 victory over England in Leeds, Isaiah and Lorina became the first mother-son duo to play for New Zealand, with Papali'i senior representing her country for over a decade.

Speaking to the NRL's official website after the match, Isaiah Papali'i beamed at emulating his mother's achievement on the international stage.

"I can't really put it into words," he said.

"I grew up watching her play rep footy and it was always a dream of mine to follow in the footsteps she paved. She did lots of tackling, she was always smiling.

"She had quite a successful career with the Ferns, just going full blast for the whole 80. Both my parents just said do what you do best."

The younger Papali'i managed to cap his night with a successful conversion for his first Test points, as the Kiwis avoided a series whitewash.

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