Setu to embark on Mormon mission

IPSWICH rugby league star Lagi Setu is about to do what most Queenslanders could never imagine, quit a lucrative career in the NRL to volunteer in an impoverished country for two years.

The humble and deeply religious Setu will embark on a Mormon mission to a yet to be decided location.

But if it was up to Setu, he would be headed to South Africa.

“I would love to work in the communities in South Africa and spread the gospel there,” Setu said.

“My religion has been everything to me. Without it I would not be where I am.

“I want to spread the gospel of my religion to other places, so it can help them like it has me.

“I will put my blessings on hold to honour my religion for two years.”

The Bronco’s top-grader follows his older brother Rota, who quit a career with the St George Illawarra Dragons three years ago to embark on his two year mission.

Rota has since returned to Australia and now plays rugby union for Sunnybank.

Setu said he wants to return to the NRL after his two-year mission.

Director of Public Affairs for the Queensland Church of Latter Day Saints, Grant Pitman, said the Mormon religion was one of the fastest growing faiths in Australia.

“The likes of Folau and Setu have seen the profile of Mormons raise, but the faith is growing very fast here anyway,” he said.

Mr Pitman said Setu’s request to go on a mission was currently being assessed by the head office of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Setu had to fill out his background details and why he wants to go on a mission and the head office is now looking over it,” Mr Pitman said.

Setu attends the Brassall chapter of the Church of Latter-Day Saints.