From Auckland to the US: Sione Ma’u shares pathway to success

An athlete from West Auckland is eager to give his all playing American football in the United States.

The 6’6-ft offensive linesman Sione Ma’u, from Tonga, has played top college football for the past two years.

Ma’u speaks to PMN Tonga about his pathway to the US.

“It started with some of the boys training with one of the coaches, Jason Vaka, who is part of the 7T5 Academy,” Ma’u says.

“We had no idea about football at the time, but he was giving us a pathway to see if we can make it out of New Zealand.”

Training with Vaka and the 7T5 Academy has landed Ma’u and a few other players scholarships to play at New Mexico Military Institute in 2023.

Ma’u says it was tough adjusting to life as an athlete at Military School, which incorporates military skills into sports and academics.

“As it went on, we adjusted and got used to the environment, and it was good,” he says. It helped us with our discipline as well.”

Having played only a few seasons of American football in Aotearoa New Zealand, Ma’u says it was a huge step up in competition in the US.

Photo/Southern Methodist Institute.

“The difference between American football and New Zealand football is the physicality, and the knowledge of the game.

“Turning up to training and doing film studies is one of the most important parts to having a better life in football.”

Ma’u finished his time at NMU, moving to Southern Methodist University for 2025 and beyond.

For Ma’u, the journey of playing in the US has not been all smooth sailing.

“Yeah, it has been mentally tough,” he says. “At the start I was like all good, I got this.

“But as I was staying longer in the US, I could feel it hitting me…my mom would always tell me to keep strong and keep my faith.”

Ma'u playing for New Mexico Military Institute. Photo/NMMI media.

Despite the challenges, Ma’u has stayed committed to his studies and his sporting aspirations.

He hopes to one day make it to the NFL and support his family. His dream team to play for is this year’s Super Bowl winners the Philadelphia Eagles.

He says one of their star Pacific players is an inspiration to him.

“I look up to players like Jordan Mailata - he plays the same position as me. He’s setting a great example for us youngins, while pursuing this dream.”

Ma’u praises the talent pool in New Zealand, and Vaka, who has paved the way for many Pacific athletes headed overseas to play football. With three years until graduation, Ma’u is determined to make it count.

“I have three more years here at SMU, so I’ll be working hard, this is only the start.

“The journey’s not finished yet - making it out of here, graduating and going on to the next stage, that’s the biggest goal. I have three more years of keeping humble, working hard and turning up.”

Watch Sione Ma'u's full interview on PMN Tonga Facebook below.