Bay of Plenty Steamers' winger Emoni Narawa is returning to the side this season after a devastating injury last year.

Emoni played 54 minutes of rugby in his first game for the Steamers against Northland last year. He managed to score a try but left the field with a suspected broken ankle. He was taken to hospital in an ambulance but returned to the changing rooms 30 minutes later, walking into the changing room unassisted.

'I was pretty gutted. I only played 54 minutes when it happened. I was wanting to do a good job in my first game. It wasn't the start I was expecting.”

While he had got the all clearance to leave hospital, the pain continued the following day, and after further scans, it showed he had a fracture.

Emoni was told it would take three months for his ankle to heal but was cleared to play two months later and played at the National Sevens.

Emoni has re-signed with the Steamers for the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup and the winger is determined to make an impact this season.

'I'm really excited about playing for the Steamers. It's a big challenge for me. I want to do well for my team.”

Born in Fiji, Emoni came to New Zealand on a scholarship with Hamilton Boys' High School. He was picked up by the Rugby Academy and was part of the successful Bay under 19 squad last year.

The 20-year-old has a beautiful right foot sidestep and a lethal right hand fend.

He also has a Sonny-Bill Williams like off-load, proving he can be a handful for any opposition, as he showed for his club Tauranga Sports in this year's Farmlands Co-operative Baywide Men's Championship.

Unfortunately an injured shoulder put Emoni out of the final against Te Puna. However, he says he will be fit and ready for the Steamers opening game against Otago on August 11, at Tauranga Domain, kick-off at 2.05pm.

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