In the most unlikely of circumstances, Tino Tavana went from never playing rugby league to making his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers within eight years.

It’s the kind of rise that almost feels impossible in the modern game, given that players spend years honing their craft from a young age.

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But what makes his journey even more remarkable is that he was nearly sacked by the club during pre-season, months after being rewarded with his maiden NRL train-and-trial contract.

While others around him were finetuning their skills, Tavana came agonisingly close to not being asked back after struggling in the first few weeks of pre-season.

“Unbelievable story, like (Bronco’s Gehamat) Shibasaki last year, where at the start of pre-season, he was almost kicked out,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall revealed after he made his debut on Friday.

“He needed to do some work and it’s a credit to him, because he worked hard on himself, came back, and I thought he had a great pre-season after Christmas.

“(He) trialled really well and just through lack of outside backs, we got a dispensation for him to play.”

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 27: James Fisher-Harris of the Warriors tackles Faaletino Tavana of the Tigers during the round four NRL match between New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers at Go Media Stadium, on March 27, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Instead of being cut, Tavana was given another chance and he made the most of it.

Starring for the side in their two NRL Pre-Season Challenge matches against the Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers, he found himself called up to make his NRL debut last week in New Zealand.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au before his debut on Friday, in which he scored a try and made 86 running metres, Tavana opened up on his rugby league journey.

“My dad actually came over to find a better lifestyle (and) we moved over altogether the next year and that’s when I picked up footy and just fell in love with it,” Tavana told foxsports.com.au.

“Family is everything and they’ve sacrificed so much. I just want to give back and hopefully me playing and doing what I do can not just provide but secure a better future for my family.

“I only picked up rugby league in 2017 when I first moved over from New Zealand. I grew up playing union but I’ve always just been a sporty kid playing whatever.”

Doueihi heroics sparks Tigers victory | 01:14

Able to play anywhere in the back-line but predominantly used either on the wing or at fullback, he first arrived at the club in 2021 which saw him play alongside Heath Mason, Tallyn Da Silva and Kit Laulilii.

Since then, he has steadily progressed through the ranks, leading him to play in the Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup for the past two seasons.

It is here that he began to make a name for himself, emerging as one of the more exciting outside backs in the competition, thanks to his athleticism, speed and outstanding aerial ability.

His ability to break tackles and create something out of nothing made him a human highlight reel.

Faaletino Tavana SG Ball Cup cup Wests Magpies v Manly Round 1 Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Sydney 2023 Warren Gannon PhotographySource: News Corp Australia

This was evident when he scored a viral try during the Pre-Season Challenge, which many – including the commentators and pundits calling the match – didn’t believe was even possible.

“That was a crack up. It was mad (my) phone was blowing up straight after the game,” Tavana added.

“I had to turn off the app and delete it that night, but it was crazy.”

Landing a couple thousand extra followers, just imagine how many more followers he has now gained off the back of his first-grade debut.