At just 21 years old, NRL player Asipai Koroisau returned home after celebrations with his football club to find his girlfriend, Cordelia, had tragically died.
Two years on, the Manly Sea Eagles star has finally had the courage to speak openly about the aftermath of the tragedy.
Speaking candidly to The Sunday Telegraph, Koroisau opened up about his recovery: “There’s always going to be doubt after something like that happens.”
“I definitely wasn’t sure if I’d ever make it back.’’
Koroisau’s candid admission shines a spotlight on the hardship he endured following his former partner’s death.
Today, Koroisau is proving his resilience and strength after the world around him shattered. It was a long journey of recovery, with Koroisau adding that getting back to playing rugby league helped him.
“It wasn’t a day that it clicked for me,” he continues.
“It was a process. You start by getting back into things and you start training again.”
His new partner, Amy, has been his rock through it all. “I’ve been blessed to have such a beautiful family behind me, who have really supported me through this,” he explains.
“My partner Amy has been incredible for me.”
“She’s always told me to ‘always stay positive’ and ‘there’s always positive things to look out for’.”
“She’s really helped me through those tough times and she got me on to the path of positive thinking as well, like meditation,” he says.
The couple welcomed a baby girl in February, with Koroisau referring to her as the joy of his life.
“She’s a huge inspiration into why I’ve been playing some good footy… I want to rush home each day to my little girl.”
If you or someone you know is going through a tough time, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.
