Rugby players from all over the motu have rallied support around a little Kiwi fella who’s getting a hard time for having a dream of being an All Black.
Mama Sala-Marlene Uele shared a video of her son Rollo tearfully admitting he’s not eating his school lunch because he is being bullied by his peers.
“They’re calling me fat,” he explains, choking back tears. “I wish I could just go home and end this bullying.”
They’ve just been giving me a hard time.
Despite Sala-Marlene’s best efforts to remind Rollo that he is loved, strong, and tall, her wee man has felt discouraged by his bullies from pursuing his dream of being a New Zealand rugby player.
His dream to be an All Black isn’t just an aspiration, it’s a promise. Rollo promised his late younger brother, Kamaukiterangi, that he would take the field one day.
“My bullies say ‘you should just give up on your dream’ and I say ‘that’s not true’,” Rollo told his mama.
Just watch one day I’m going to become an All Black, I’m gonna prove you wrong.
Not only has a village of Kiwis rallied behind Rollo to remind him he is capable, but All Blacks and rugby players from around the motu have also backed the little star in the making.
Current All Black Caleb Clarke gave Rollo a pep talk in the comments, writing: “I believe in you buddy! Praying that you have the strength to keep chasing your dream. Never give up! Your family will be with you every step of the way ❤️ Can’t wait to be cheering you on one day as you wear the Black Jersey 🙏.”
All Blacks prop Tamaiti Williams added: “ You can do it, brother! I believe in you ❤️ I will pray for you and your whānau! Can’t wait to see your journey 💪🏾❤️ my whānau and I will be cheering for you.”
“You're awesome buddy and I believe in you!!” Former All Black and Moana Pasifika player Julian Savea backed him. “Never give up on your dreams, I'm really looking forward to seeing you in the Black jersey one day 🖤🖤.”
Auckland Blues prop and former All Black Angus Ta’avao reminded Rollo: “Family over everything little bro!!”
“I had this growing up too, felt shamed eating in front of people, called fat and all sorts of names,” he added. “My dream was to be an All Black, and after a lot of hard work, love and support from my mum and family I made it. Don't give up on your dreams, believe in yourself!!❤️❤️
With support like that, we can’t wait to follow Rollo’s journey wherever he ends up - you’ve got a lot of aroha and strength, buddy - just remember that!
