The Manly enforcer Steve Matai is one of rugby league's toughest men, but his softer side shows when he marvels at the strength of his older brother.
The powerful New Zealand Test centre gave a rare insight into life away from the field and his love for his mentally disabled sibling, as he prepared for Sunday's National Rugby League Grand Final against the Warriors in Sydney.
While his father Aloese will be attending his third grand final, it will be the first for his mother Faaiu.
Matai says she usually stayed at home to tend to his 36-year old brother Maika, who can't speak and needs constant attention.
Other close relatives will this week look after Maika, who Matai said was unaware of his profile and what he did for a living.
Family proved a welcome distraction on the weekend after fears he could attract a charge after sliding feet first in an attempt to prevent Brisbane's Jharal Yow Yeh from scoring a try the 26-14 win over the Broncos last Friday.
However the Warriors presence in the grand final could even cause a light-hearted clash of loyalties in the Matai clan, with Steve revealing they're all closet Warriors fans.
