‘Toughest but best decision’: Wakefield Trinity cult hero Caius Faatili charts extraordinary rise to Old Trafford
In Grand Final week, every player has a story to tell.
That has never been more true than in the build-up to Saturday's Old Trafford decider.
Whether it is Jack Sinfield following in the footsteps of legendary father Kevin, who will fittingly deliver the match ball at the end of his latest 7 in 7 challenge, or Warrington Wolves stalwart Ben Currie finally ending his wait for a Grand Final appearance having missed out four times, there are storylines everywhere you look.
Few can match the extraordinary path Caius Faatili has taken to reach Old Trafford.
The prop was plucked from the Queensland Cup on the eve of the 2025 campaign, arriving too late for pre-season. Indeed, the week after his arrival, the New Zealander warmed up wearing a bobble hat ahead of his debut in the Challenge Cup against Goole Vikings.
Faatili announced himself with a memorable brace at Magic Weekend and has been a cult hero ever since.
'Captain Chaos', as he is affectionately known at Belle Vue, has come a long way from his time working in a biscuit factory only two years ago.
But even he has been surprised at the speed of his rise.
Asked if he expected to appear in a Grand Final so soon, Faatili replied: "I'll be honest and say no.
"I didn't expect too much. I didn't know what to expect coming over. It was quite fast how it happened. I signed in January and was on a plane within seven days and in a new country and new place.
"I didn't have too much communication with anyone. I had a quick Zoom meeting with Powelly (Daryl Powell, head coach) and Millsy (Ste Mills, director of rugby) when I first signed. That probably only lasted 10 minutes and then they sent through the contract the next day and got my flight sorted.
"Before coming over, I didn't know anything about the club but learning all the history and where it's going has been awesome.
"It's been a whirlwind. I've got a young family and it's been a whirlwind for them as well but they've settled in nicely. The club, the fans and the community have been amazing for us. It's been so awesome coming over to Wakey. It was the toughest but best decision I've ever made."
Faatili is just one example of the remarkable recruitment work that has taken Wakefield to the brink of a maiden Grand Final triumph.
Alongside the likes of Caleb Hamlin-Uele and Isaiah Vagana – together with high-profile signings such as Tom Johnstone, Mike McMeeken and Tyson Smoothy – Faatili has played a central role in Trinity's revival.
While his own rise has taken him by surprise, Faatili insists there has been no great shock within the Wakefield camp at reaching Old Trafford.
"After last year, we knew the trajectory of the club," he said, referring to Trinity ending their long wait for a play-off appearance in 2025. "Some people will say they're surprised to see us here but we're not surprised as a team.
"We knew what we were capable of. We knew we could be in this position from the start of the season.
"We talked about our goals but there's never been any pressure on the team. We've got inside pressure on ourselves to be here but the pressure has never come from outside.
"We want to repay the fans and club for what they've done."
Powell's side have already given their supporters plenty to celebrate, not least with an incredible semi-final victory at Wigan Warriors.
Trinity were long odds to book a Grand Final date with Warrington, only to rip up the script.
It was a victory built on the strength of their pack, who had been challenged by team-mate Jazz Tevaga to prove they were the best in the competition.
"We've got a little group chat and he said, 'Boys, we'd better win now'," added Faatili with a smile.
"I thought we thrived on it. We've thrived on the pressure throughout the year.
"He laid out that challenge for us. That was one of our goals – to be the best pack in the comp. I think we're pretty close to it.
"We've got some awesome impact off the bench and some awesome starters that start the game well.
"Jazz obviously came out and said what he said but it was all fun and games. He's a crucial part of our team – one of the leaders. To have someone like that say good things about you is always good."
Now Faatili and his team-mates have one final job: deliver the trophy to their long-suffering fans.
"It would mean everything," he said.
"Like I said, I've only been here for about 20 months. In just that short amount of time, Wakey means so much to me.
"They've put a lot into me so I try and put as much as I can into them. They gave me a chance to come over here and live out a childhood dream.
"Hopefully we can get the job done for the city."