Wests Tigers is pleased to announce the acquisition of former Parramatta Eels forward, Amelia Huakau (Née Mafi), who has signed a two-year contract. The 28-year-old, recently married player is enthusiastic about joining Wests Tigers for the upcoming Telstra Women’s Premiership season, marking the club’s second year in the competition.
Huakau, who debuted in the NRLW with the Roosters in 2020 and played in all nine matches for the Eels in the last season, also made her international debut in 2022, representing Tonga in the Pacific Championships at the end of the previous year.
Commencing her rugby league journey at the age of 20 in South Auckland, Huakau later moved to Sydney in 2018, contributing to the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with the Wentworthville Magpies.
Expressing her excitement during a tour of the Wests Tigers Zurich Centre, Huakau stated, “I’m just speechless, to be honest; this place is just amazing.” She mentioned knowing some teammates like Sarah [Togatuki] and Bo [Vette-Welsh] from her time at the Roosters and emphasized the warm welcome she received from everyone.
Huakau also highlighted her attraction to the Wests Tigers’ style of play, expressing her admiration for last year’s team’s front-foot style of attack. She looks forward to enhancing her skills under the guidance of coach Brett [Kimmorley] and alongside some of the top forwards in women’s rugby league.
Head coach Kimmorley is confident that Huakau will strengthen an already formidable pack in the upcoming season. He praised her performance during a challenging campaign with her previous club and warmly welcomed Amelia and her family to Wests Tigers.
Wests Tigers 2024 NRLW squad:
Amelia Huakau, Botille Vette-Welsh, Brooke Talataina, Christian Pio, Claudia Nielsen, Ebony Prior, Eliza Siilata, Emily Curtain, Harmony Crichton, Imogen Gobran, Jessica Kennedy, Kezie Apps, Leianne Tufuga, Losana Lutu, Najvada George, Natasha Penitani, Pauline Piliae-Rasabale, Rikeya Horne, Salma Nour, Sarah Togatuki, Sophie Curtain, Tess Staines, Tiana Lee-Thorne
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