Cronulla Sharks backrower Jayson Bukuya will tonight play his 100th match for the Club when he takes to the field against the Gold Coast Titans tonight.
Born in Brisbane, Bukuya made his way to the Shire to be a part of the Sharks’ SG Ball squad as a centre.
Showing great promise, Bukuya was elevated to the NRL squad and made his first grade debut off the bench in Round 11 against the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium in 2008.
From here, Bukuya seemingly began a horror run of injuries which would cripple the back rower for over two seasons.
Firstly, Bukuya’s 2009 season was cut short after suffering a syndesmosis injury along with a broken fibula.
Soon after, surgery to both shoulders would see him miss the 2010 season.
In 2011, Bukuya made a return to the top flight, taking to the field on 11 occasions and instilling confidence within himself that he could once again match it with the best in the business.
For the next two seasons Bukuya would become a regular in Shane Flanagan’s match day 17, making 46 appearances over the two-year period.
Bukuya’s strong mentality and work ethic did not go unnoticed though, with the New Zealand Warriors tabling an offer for the 2014-2015 seasons.
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Bukuya packed up his young family and headed across the Tasman to the Auckland-based franchise.
Despite playing on 18 occasions for the Warriors, Bukuya found it difficult to play his best football in tough conditions and moved home where the Sharks welcomed him with open arms.
Since returning to the Shire, Bukuya has captained Fiji, made another 40 appearances in the Black, White and Blue along with becoming one of the side’s most reliable and hard working player’s week in week out.
Jayson Bukuya Fact File
Born: April 21, 1989, Brisbane, QLD
Club Debut: v Bulldogs, Round 11 2008, ANZ Stadium
First grade games: Cronulla 100*, Warriors 18
Rep Honours: 10 Tests Fiji (2008-2015)
