NRL Review: Five Pacific Warriors unleashed in 2024

Despite their best efforts to replicate their historic run in 2023, the Wahs' everlasting pursuit of a premiership will have to be extended for another year. That is because the season is over for the New Zealand Warriors.

In 2024, the Warriors introduced several exciting Pacific stars to the top side during a stint of reshuffled lineups. Many of them were strong performers for the club's New South Wales Cup team.

Here’s a look at some of the standout Pacific players youngsters to run out for the Warriors in 2024.

Moala Graham-Taufa: 21-year-old Moala Graham-Taufa made his debut for the Warriors in their emphatic win over the Dolphins in Round 4.

But his first taste of footy at the top level was three years ago at the Sydney Roosters. He then spent some time at the Paramatta Eels before moving back to New Zealand where he was injected into the Warriors’ system.

Moala Graha-Taufa with family after his NRL debut. Photo/Warriors media.

The Sāmoan-Tongan bolster became a prominent player for the NSW Cup in 2023 and 2024. Graham-Taufa has made a name for himself as a damaging ball runner, collecting over 100 running metres and averaging 4.4 tackle breaks per game.

Graham-Taufa received the callup to centres on his his debut at Go Media Stadium during the NRL’s Heritage Round. He was initially picked as the 18th man, but on the morning of the game, he received word from Andrew Webster that he would start.

His debut match drew comparisons to Warriors’ legend Jerome Ropati after an outstanding performance on both sides of the field. The youngster made several damaging runs at the Dolphins’ defence, and key defensive reads that halted the Dolphins’ go forward play.

Graham-Taufa made three more appearances this year for the top side and will be a prominent player for the future of the club.

Leka Halasima: 18-year-old Leka Halasima made his NRL debut for the Warriors, and drew comparisons to a young Sonny Bill Williams in his first match. Filling in for the injured Tohu Harris, Halasima bolstered his way into the side after strong performances in the NSW Cup.

The Tongan youngster played 37 minutes and ran 108m, made one line break, broke through five tackles, and managed nine tackles himself.

Halasima broke out on the right edge almost scoring his first NRL try, with Warriors’ diehards calling for him to be a consistent pick in the back-row.

At 17, he excelled in the SG Ball Cup competition. He then moved up to the New South Wales Cup team, where he continued to perform strongly, scoring tries and breaking tackles consistently.

Halasima is a strong example of local talent in New Zealand who have come through the Auckland Rugby League system, and now performing well in the NRL. I expect he will get more call-ups next year in the back row, his youth is his advantage and he’ll have a successful career.

Jacob Laban: Wellington-raised Jacob Laban was a recurring star for the Warriors this year. He ran out for the side in the pre-season games as a damaging back-rower. Laban made his debut against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in April.

The 20-year-old became the first player from the capital to debut for the Warriors since 2016. This year, the youngster made seven appearances for the Wahs as a backrower replacement or off the bench.

Laban, who was born in Moto’otua Sāmoa, made his first start for the side in their 27-24 loss to the Gold Coast Titans at Go Media Stadium. His tall/long stature has given him strong looks on the defensive end, and he has proven to be a good ball carrier on the Warriors’ edges.

The youngster has made a prominent mark for the Wahs this year and has the potential to be a consistent starter for the side in the future.

Zyon Maiu’u - One of the most promising youngsters to run out for the Warriors this year, Zion Maiu’u became Warrior #287 in front of a soldout Go Media Stadium. Maiu’u also became the first NRL player in history to take the field with a traditional Sāmoan Pe’a tattoo.

The Kelston Boys High School old boy made a name for himself through strong appearances for the First XIII, and the National Secondary Schools side. Maiu’u has been a prominent player for the Warriors’ NSW Cup side who collected 13 wins for their season this year.

Maiu’u only appeared once for the Warriors this year, but he made a strong impact off the bench. The Te Atatu-Roosters junior came on late in the game against the Titans, and his intensity on attack was noticeable in his first hit up.

I expect Maiu’u to have a consistent presence in the Warriors forwards’ rotation next season. With the departure of Addin-Fonua Blake and Jazz Tevaga, Maiu’u’s intensity will be crucial for the side.

Demtric Sifakula: Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior Demetric Sifakula has been strong for the Warriors this year in his four appearances for the club. Sifakula is another standout for the NSW Cup side, debuting for the Warriors in 2023.

Photo/NZ Warriors media.

This year, the Tongan youngster was a strong addition to the side’s back-row as a damaging ball runner. He collected over 200 running metres and a try to round out an impressive season for the 20-year-old.

In his 12 New South Wales Cup appearances, he scored four tries while averaging 93m and 26 tackles a game, five line breaks, and 38 tackle breaks.

Sifakula is part of the Warriors’ deep talent pool for back-rowers, and I think his strength and agility on attack will be crucial for the Warriors moving forward.