Get ready for an exciting chapter in the Sele family's story as Hame Sele gears up for a reunion in Las Vegas, determined to leave his injury woes behind in 2026.
The Dragons forward's journey has been a rollercoaster, with fears of retirement looming after a pericarditis diagnosis following a heart-related incident during a match in late 2024. But Sele, with a clean bill of health now, is eyeing a fresh start and a spot in the Dragons' season opener against the Bulldogs at Allegiant Stadium.
The Power of Family Support
Sele, a Tongan international, has a strong support system with extended family in Los Angeles and Utah. They've already requested tickets for the Las Vegas clash, eager to witness Sele's comeback.
"My family in LA and Utah have been a constant source of motivation," Sele shared. "After my Australian Schoolboys experience in 2014, I spent Christmas with them, and they even took me to Vegas, showing me the bright lights and the excitement of the city. Now, they're all coming to the game, and I'm determined to be part of that special moment."
A Comeback Story
Sele's resilience shines through as he reflects on the challenges of the past 18 months. In 2024, he started in St. George Illawarra's Round 23 clash with the Bulldogs but had to leave the field due to chest pain and shortness of breath. The diagnosis of pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart's surrounding tissue, was a tough pill to swallow.
"Mentally, it was a tough journey," Sele admitted. "When you're injured, and the game keeps moving forward without you, it's a constant battle. But I knew I had to prove myself again, show that I'm an asset to this team, and contribute to our success."
A New Beginning
Sele's hard work paid off as he slowly increased his training volume during the 24-25 summer and was cleared to return in last year's Pre-Season Challenge. While the 2025 campaign had its setbacks with a string of injuries, Sele's determination never wavered. He found his stride towards the end of the season, helping the Dragons NSW Cup side reach the grand final.
Now, with a full pre-season under his belt, Sele is focused on securing his spot in the starting forward pack for Round 1 and beyond.
"I'm eager to play a full year of football without injuries," he said. "We have an incredible squad here, and I believe we're building something special with Flanno and this talented team. I want to be a part of that success, and I'm determined to contribute to the Dragons' journey this year."
Don't miss the chance to witness this inspiring comeback story and the Sele family reunion in Las Vegas. Get your tickets now for the NRL's season opener at Allegiant Stadium (https://www.nrl.com/rugby-league-in-las-vegas-2026/).
And here's the controversial twist: With Sele's determination and the team's potential, could this be the year the Dragons make a deep run in the competition? What do you think? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
