Newfound Napa: Premiership Hero Returns for Roosters

Nearly five years ago, Dylan Napa became an NRL premiership winner, standing atop the podium and hoisting the Provan-Summons trophy high into the night sky. It seemed a significant marker in his career; a Queensland origin representative, a Cook Islands international, and now an important member of a premiership winning side... his CV was sparkling. 

His NRL premiership was a reward for five years and 122 appearances as a top tier rugby league prop. He had gained a reputation as a terrifyingly brutal forward; often the last thing opposition players would see before being hit hard and fair, was his fiery red hair.  

When he signed a three-year deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs a month after his premiership triumph, many thought this moment of glory was to be his last act donning the Red, White, and Blue. 

But five years on from that moment in 2018, Napa wore the famous Tricolours once more when he ran out last weekend to face competition newcomers, the Dolphins.  

Napa says it was his aim to return to first grade for the Roosters, and he is grateful to have the chance to play for the club again. 

"When I first got back to the club this year it was a goal," he said. 

"You have to work for your goals before you can achieve them so its pleasing to be rewarded." 

Napa's stint with the Bulldogs unfortunately largely coincided with the COVID affected NRL seasons of 2020 and 2021, resulting in the enforcer struggling to find consistent playing time and any sort of momentum with his new club.  

It left him with limited options at the end of 2021, so Napa chose to accept an offer from the Catalans Dragons that would see him take his talents to France and England for the 2022 Super League season.  

Although he found limited success in his single season overseas, the Roosters had seen enough, believing he could bring to the table what he has done just a few years earlier, and signed him up for season 2023.  

"I had some conversations with people at the Roosters, and I'm really happy I had them because now I'm in this position," he said.  

"To actually play again and run out in front of the crowd and in front of my Mum and Dad was special." 

Napa admits that as he's gotten older, it has taken harder work than ever to remain at an elite level.

"Earlier in my career I took things for granted coming up as a youngster. I've realised how much hard work it takes when you're a little bit older to keep playing NRL," he said. 

"I'm here now though and I'm really enjoying it, I'm enjoying the team lunches, training, recovery...I'm enjoying each day because I don't know what's around the corner."  

In his debut year of 2013, Napa was mentored by ex-Rooster and rugby league legend Sonny-Bill Williams, someone who Napa has previously revealed as an inspiration of his, a man who epitomises athletic longevity and resilience.  

With his first game back in the Red, White, and Blue under his belt, Napa will look to gain more minutes as the season ends, and despite being unaware of what the future holds he still believes he has plenty to offer as an NRL footballer.