“Wests Tigers Secures Amelia Huakau on a Two-Year Deal from Parramatta Eels”
Wests Tigers is pleased to confirm the acquisition of Amelia Huakau (formerly known as Mafi), a former forward from the Parramatta Eels, who has signed a two-year contract.
The newlywed 28-year-old is thrilled to become a part of Wests Tigers as the club gears up for its second season in the Telstra Women’s Premiership. Huakau entered the NRLW scene with the Roosters in 2020 and showcased her skills by starting in all nine matches for the Eels in the previous season.
In 2022, she earned her international debut and continued to represent Tonga at the Pacific Championships held at the end of last year.
Huakau initiated her rugby league journey at the age of 20 in South Auckland before moving to Sydney in 2018. In Sydney, she participated in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership with the Wentworthville Magpies.
Expressing her sentiments after touring the Wests Tigers Zurich Centre, she remarked, “I’m just speechless, to be honest; this place is just amazing.”
‘Everything is so professional and much more advanced than other clubs I have played for’
-Amelia Huakau
“I know a few of the girls like Sarah [Togatuki] and Bo [Vette-Welsh] from my time at the Roosters, and everyone has been so welcoming.”
Amelia says Wests Tigers style of play was also a big attraction for her.
“I love the way last year’s team had a front-foot style of attack and I look forward to improving my game under Brett [Kimmorley] and alongside some of the best forwards in the women’s game.”
Head coach Kimmorley believes Huakau will add to an already strong pack next season.
“She was very good in what was a difficult campaign last season at her former club,” said Kimmorley.
‘I know Amelia will only get better as a player and I really look forward to seeing her game develop over the next couple of seasons with us’.
-Brett Kimmorley
“It’s a pleasure to welcome Amelia and her family to Wests Tigers.”
The NRLW squad for Wests Tigers in 2024 includes the following players:
- 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
