At the conclusion of the 2023 NRL season, Viliami Vailea, a center for the New Zealand Warriors, will depart the team after joining the North Queensland Cowboys.
In lieu of Pita Hiku, who is set to depart the Cowboys in 2024, Vailea, 20, has inked a two-year contract.
Since making his NRL debut in 2021, he has made five appearances for the Warriors this season, bringing his total to 17.
“Releasing Vili was a very tough decision,” general manager Andrew McFadden of the Warriors stated. “We really appreciate his contribution in his time with our club and wish him all the best with his move, but first, he has a job to do for us for the rest of this season.”
With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck confirmed to play in the centers next season and fellow Warriors midfielder Adam Pompey extending his contract with the Auckland-based team for an additional two years, midfield spots were scarce.
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Viliami Vailea, a gifted Tongan outside back, has agreed to a two-year contract with the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys.
After making his debut as an 18-year-old in 2021, the 20-year-old has played in 17 games for the Warriors over the course of three seasons.
Vailea, who is equally comfortable playing center or wing, was born in Vaini on Tongatapu, the main island of Tonga, and later attended high school in New Zealand.
Regarded as one of New Zealand’s top schoolboy rugby union players, Vailea left Aorere College to sign with the Warriors in the league, and he would make his NRL debut the year after he graduated.
This season, Vailea has made five appearances for the Warriors, all at center.
We need to fill the outside back position since Peta Hiku will be leaving in 2024. Cowboys General Manager of Football Michael Luck stated, “We are really happy with how our young outside backs, Rob Derby and Zac Laybutt, are developing. But, we thought we needed another player with first grade experience to come in and balance the squad.”
“We were thrilled to sign Viliami because we have been impressed with his performance in the limited opportunities he has had since first grade. He is currently parked behind some young players at the Warriors who are playing really well.
“We believe Viliami will be a great fit for our program and we’re excited to see him play for the Cowboys in 2024 and beyond.”
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