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Watch: 'Hope and pray they don't come back' - Tongan star Manu Ma'u inspires young offenders to change

November 16, 2017

Ma'u and his Tongan rugby league teammates took the opportunity on their day off to reach out to some troubled youth in Christchurch.

Mate Ma'a Tonga league star Manu Ma'u and his teammates visited the youth unit at Christchurch men's prison this afternoon, hoping to inspire the young inmates in turning their lives around.

Ma'u, 29, had served 22 months in prison in 2007 at Spring Hill prison in Waikato, convicted of grievous bodily harm with intent to injure.

Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Will Hopoate, Manu Ma'u and other Tongan stars spent time with troubled youth in Christchurch.

The Parramatta Eels star said his visit with his teammates in Christchurch was about giving the young inmates hope.

"It's really important just to come in and just be amongst them, enjoy their company," said Ma'u.

"Some of them come up to us and ask questions and we're more than happy to answer them.

"To be honest it's good for them so when they leave this place - we hope and pray they don't come back."

Ma'u said being in the prison brought back some memories from when he was behind bars.

The Tongan rugby league players visited the Youth Unit at Christchurch men's prison today.

"It's good to see the boys running around and to play ball with them brings back some memories," he said.

"It means a lot for them to come up to me and just ask questions about my story. For me to share it, it means a lot."

Tonga take on Lebanon in their Rugby League World Cup quarter-final on Saturday at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.

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