Amelia Huakau (Née Mafi), a former forward for the Parramatta Eels, has signed with the Wests Tigers for a two-year contract.
The recently married 28-year-old is excited to join Wests Tigers ahead of the club’s second season in the Telstra Women’s Premiership.
Huakau made her NRLW debut for the Roosters in 2020 and started in all nine games for the Eels last season.
She made her international debut in 2022 and again played for Tonga at last year’s end-of-season Pacific Championships.
Huakau began her rugby league journey as a 20-year-old in South Auckland before relocating to Sydney in 2018 where she played in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership for Wentworthville Magpies.
“I’m just speechless to be honest, this place is just amazing,” she said after being shown around Wests Tigers Zurich Centre.
“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.
