‘Nothing without him’: The deep religious faith driving Tigers star Bula

Rising Wests Tigers star Jahream Bula has opened up about his strong faith, revealing how he reads passages from the Bible minutes before he takes the field in the NRL.

The Tigers fans who head to Campbelltown Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon for the clash with St George Illawarra will feel blessed they have a genuine game-breaker in Bula wearing the No.1 jersey.

Not since coach Benji Marshall played has a Tigers player generated such excitement among fans. James Tedesco was loved before he joined the Sydney Roosters in 2018, but missed a lot of game time because of injuries during his six seasons at the club.

Tigers officials are aware of Bula’s star power, particularly given his clean lifestyle, which includes no drinking, no smoking, no drugs and strong Christian values.

“I’m constantly building my relationship with my creator,” Bula said. “He knows me more than I know myself. I’m nothing without him. He gives me strength.

“It actually helps me calm down when I read the Bible before I go out on to the field. I’ll read a devotion, and whatever the verse is for that devotion, I’ll take that out on to the field with me.”

Jahream Bula has made a strong start to the season after picking up Wests Tigers’ Kelly-Barnes Medal last year.

Bula is often seen praying before and after each training session at Concord. The 22-year-old joked it was a shame there was no divine intervention when it came to his Origin eligibility.

“I think I am eligible for Queensland because I moved there before I was 13, but I don’t want to play for Queensland,” he said. “My family is from NSW. I’m a Koori boy, I want to represent NSW, but I can’t.”

When asked this week about the one thing he wanted to improve in his game, Bula said: “Making my teammates look good. When I think ‘run first’, it creates opportunities for the other players outside me. And I want to help my teammates.”

Bula was awarded the Kelly-Barnes Medal as the Tigers’ best player last year and has been a standout for the joint venture during their promising start to 2024.

Marshall, considered a rugby league god by Tigers fans, was glad Bula was so proud of his faith – and comfortable to be himself – and the respect the club had for him was evident by the rapid contract upgrades and extensions.

“He started last year on a train and trial; we moved him to a development deal, then quickly moved him into the top 30, then on to a five-year deal,” Marshall said.

“He’s really important to what we do in our future – he’s a big part of our future – and we love him because he’s not just a good footy player, but he’s a beautiful person.

“He’s very strong with his religion and faith, and on the field he never lets you down.

“Jahream hasn’t hit his straps yet. Every time we’ve looked threatening with the ball, he’s been in and around it.

“He’s also developed a good combination with [halfback] Lachie [Galvin], and a combination they don’t even realise is there. When they team up together, they’re really good.

“Jahream doesn’t shirk his responsibility. He takes the one-out hit-ups into a compressed defensive line, he takes his medicine, and then goes and saves tries for fun.”

Bula and Marshall stood next to each other as they mingled with supporters after an open training session at Campbelltown on Thursday. For the first time, Bula was in greater demand than his famous coach.

Bula praised the impact Marshall has had on his game, saying: “Benji fills me with so much confidence. He wants me to play my style of footy. Even if I think I’m doing something wrong, he’ll tell me I’m not, and to keep playing and have fun. It’s the best.”

With 22 games under his belt, more people have started to recognise Bula in public, and ask for photos in shopping malls or at football games, including when he is watching his partner, Aaliyah Haumono, the daughter of former representative forward Solomon Haumono, who plays for Parramatta.

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