Rey Lee-Lo is determined to repay the faith of the Cardiff Arms Park crowd as the Blue and Blacks host the Scarlets this Saturday (17:15).
Cardiff, who lead the way in the BKT United Rugby Championship Welsh Shield, take on the Llanelli-club just six days after slipping to a slender defeat to the Ospreys.
12,125 supporters packed into the iconic ground on New Year’s Day and another bumper crowd is expected for the visit of Scarlets.
Lee-Lo, who is bearing down on 150 appearances for the club, was bitterly disappointed to let the Ospreys encounter slip away but he is now eyeing the shot at redemption on Saturday.
He said: “We can’t take anything away from the Ospreys, they are a class team, especially their forward pack. The weather hurt us, it was wet and cold, which doesn’t suit our game – I think it’s the first time ever I’ve had to change my kit at half-time!
“They are a good team but we just have to crack on and we have another game this week. It’s another derby, the Scarlets so it’s a big one again for us. We owe our family, friends and fans after last week’s performance so I’m looking forward to it.
“They always tend to be close games, they have some very good players, world class players so it should be a really good game.
“It’s always special to play at the Arms Park. It’s probably one of the best stadiums out there because you are so close to the pitch and you can hear everything – we owe that crowd and ourselves one this week against Scarlets.â€?
Lee-Lo has always enjoyed playing against the Scarlets, it is a game that is usually high-scoring and entertaining and more often than not the Samoan centre has been in the thick of it.
He is enjoying a rich vein of form this season, and continues to add to his reputation as one of the most influential and consistent players in the URC despite his age.
Cardiff’s young centres are keeping him on his toes but he also has the added inspiration of a newborn son, who continues to drive him on.
He added: “It’s been good this year. It’s more a case of looking after my body, I have been in the game so long now that i’ve got to know my body and what I need to do to make sure I’m ready to go on a Saturday and can help the boys.
“The young boys around the camp are also putting pressure on us old heads to crack on. We try to help them at the same time so it’s good at the moment.
“It’s just being able to relax before the game and pre-game, I normally eat very strictly healthy but I’ve tried to chill out a little bit and to have a bit more fun. Having the kids in the house also helps take my mind off rugby and then when it comes to the game, like all the boys here, you play for your family and the fans.
“I’ve just had a newborn son as well so that pushes me on even more.�
And what about his son’s name? RJ Isiah Ulisi Wyn Lee-Lo.
“His name is RJ (Rey Junior) after me, Isiah, which is my nephew back home who passed away a few months ago, then Ulisi after Willis and my daughter gave him a third Welsh middle-name, Wyn. So it’s quite a long name!
“Being with Willis from back home and then here, it was a no brainer for me. He’s a close friend, pretty much a brother to me and his family are family to me.�
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