‘I’m very proud of where I come from’: Lui ready to represent in Indigenous Round

Indigenous Round is always an important time for proud Iama and Poruma man, Dantoray Lui.

But it will be even more significant this weekend as the Redcliffe Dolphins playmaker heads back to his home region to play in front of his family.

Lui grew up in the Torres Strait Islands, on Yam and Coconut Islands, before moving to Cairns where his rugby league career started to take off.

And he will be back in Cairns this Saturday, coming up against his former team in the Northern Pride, ready to proudly represent his culture, his people and his family.

It’s something he tries to do every day and every time he plays, but he knows this occasion is always a little extra special.

“It means a lot,” the five-eighth said ahead of Saturday.

“It’s something I’m very proud of, my culture and my background. I get to represent my family on a big stage and hopefully make them proud.

“I feel like it’s massive for me just to be there playing for my family again. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that opportunity.

“I feel like there’s times where I miss them, but I do have my little family here now and I’m glad I have my partner and son with me.

“That keeps me strong and to know I can bring my son back and all my family can be with him, it makes it even better.

“I’m just keen to get out there this weekend and hopefully get the win with the boys.”

Growing up in the Torres Strait Islands helped Lui become the man he is today.

The 23-year-old has very fond memories of his life on Yam Island and Coconut Island.

“I’m part of the Central Island group called the Kulkalgal Nation,” he said.

“It was good. It was fun. It wasn’t like it is now where it’s just phones, social media.

“It was just every day go to school, then out playing footy and on the basketball court. There wasn’t much to worry about back then.

“It shaped me massively. I’m very proud of where I come from.”

Also representing their Indigenous cultures this Saturday will be winger and Erub man, Nat McGavin, and fullback and Dunghutti and Anaiwan man, Zac Miles.

Playing in jerseys designed by Kabi Kabi artist, Lyndon Davis, it will be a massive occasion for the Dolphins, who are hunting their eighth win of the season.

But it’s not just through footy where Lui tries to represent his culture, his people and his family, but also through his day-to-day actions.

As he continues to develop on the field, Lui is aware of the many sets of young eyes that are watching him and said this is where he tries to represent his heritage the most – to the young people.

“For me, I reckon it’s just making time for the younger generation,” he said.

“They’re obviously looking up to us and to NRL players and I reckon just making time for them and actually saying hello or taking a photo goes a long way for the little kids.”

The Dolphins will take on the Northern Pride from 5.30pm on Saturday, with the match shown live through Qplus.tv.

They will return home next Saturday to take on the Souths Logan Magpies at Kayo Stadium from 5pm.