He has also just become the face of Spartan, the Australian sporting goods company who also boast Mitchell Johnson as another of their ambassadors. Spartan is set to produce a quality range of unique Benji football gear including custom footballs, protective equipment and fitness gear. A head for business, a loyal team member, and one who gives back to the community, it’s no wonder he is thought of so highly by his team mates. “The world is his oyster. Benji can be anything. He’s one of those people who can do anything, whether it’s playing the piano, playing the guitar, playing the drums,” said West Tigers’ team member Gareth Ellis. Benji lives with Tim Moltzen in an apartment he bought and counts the West Tigers team mates amongst his great friends. He soon may be playing with his brothers, both who have been signed by the Tigers at ages 19 and 15. Benji who has a strong sense of family, brought his mother and brothers to Australia and bought them a house in Parramatta and helped his mother find a job. She was only 16 years old when she had Benji. Being so close in age, Benji regards her as a friend as well as a mother. He recounts his life in Whakatane where he grew up on tomato sauce sandwiches and Weetbix and butter. “We were poor but it didn’t matter. I had a great extended family. We were always outside playing sport. My uncles who were black belts owned the local martial arts club, Rangataua o Aotearoa, and I learnt kick boxing there. I loved and still love playing all sports, squash, rugby union, surfing, tennis, golf. I wasn’t much with the bat and ball at cricket but I was a pretty good fielder. When I’m not training, I’ll be playing golf or tennis,” he said. At just 15 Benji received a sporting scholarship to Keebra Park on the Gold Coast and left his family to take up residence in Queensland. He worked at Hungry Jacks (so he knows a good burger, Robbie) and as a concreter in order to fund his sporting career. However he loved school and excelled at maths. I’d been with him in this interview for almost forty minutes and he hadn’t cracked the cube yet, he was close though.. “It’s been ages since I’ve done one of these. I will do it,” he said. I had no doubt it would be done before we left. He had determination written on his face in an expression of concentration.
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