Cameron Suafoa is one of the toughest and most resilient players ever! A hard-working loose forward who earned everything through grit and determination, Cam built his career through Auckland, Tasman and North Harbour before becoming a standout for the Blues and earning selection for the Māori All Blacks and All Blacks XV.

In this What a Lad exclusive, Cam opens up like never before. From his journey through the rugby ranks to the battle he’s faced off the field, this is an incredibly powerful and emotional conversation. Cam shares what it was like being diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, playing rugby while unknowingly dealing with cancer, and the physical and mental toll that followed.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- The determination to fight for every opportunity as a player coming through

- Finding a lump in his back and later being diagnosed with a high grade sarcoma

- Playing through the NPC season while unknowingly dealing with cancer

- Undergoing surgery to remove the tumour and the brutal recovery that followed

- Going through radiation while still training and playing rugby

- The moment he found out his cancer had returned and spread

- Coming to terms with being told he is terminally ill

- The mindset he’s used to stay positive through everything

- Leaning on family, especially his wife Britt, during the toughest moments

- Making the most of life and appreciating the small things

This episode was the hardest episode I've ever done but honestly Cam's positive outlook and ability to see things for what they are was incredible to witness. His honesty, courage and perspective are seriously inspiring. The way he has held himself during his battle has been so impressive, he's such a champion man who I know will fight with all he can.

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