NSW State of Origin prop Sarah Togatuki surrounded by loved ones after pre-game family tragedy
NSW coach John Strange doubts any other player could have matched Sarah Togatuki's strength in playing State of Origin only days after her sister died.
The famously energetic Blues prop took the field for Origin III on Thursday night after losing her sister Jean on Saturday following a short stay in hospital.
Togatuki ran 42 metres in a 14-minute cameo cut short by a head knock as the Blues fell 18-14 to Queensland.
At full-time, Tokatuki was visibly emotional, spending time with loved ones who had attended the match in Newcastle.
Strange paid tribute to the strength of character shown by the Wests Tigers prop in taking the field for the Blues, who won the Origin series 2-1.
'I don't know if anyone else could've done that. I don't know if I could've,' the coach said.
'She's had a really tough couple of weeks, 'Sala', for personal reasons. It was just great to get her out there and represent her sister and her family. We're all really proud of her for doing what she did today.'
Togatuki has become a popular member of the NSW set-up across 11 games since her debut in 2020.
'She's just an infectious type of person,' said captain Isabelle Kelly.
'A lot of us were saying we wouldn't have been able to do what she's done this week. She was a huge inspiration for us leading into this game. I just know she would've done her family so proud.
'I feel honoured and lucky to be able to pull on a jersey alongside her.'
Togatuki left the field for a head injury assessment in the final 10 minutes following a head clash with Queensland's Tavarna Papalii.
The prop was visibly dazed on field but Strange said she appeared to be recovering well.
'She seemed okay. She's all right now,' Strange said.
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