A Pakuranga College year 11 pupil has hit the big time, signing a two-year contract with one of the most prestigious National Rugby League (NRL) teams, the Sydney Roosters.
Christian Faafoi, 15, has been a part of the Sydney Roosters’ NZ Academy for over a year, training over that period under the tutelage of NZ Program Manager Brent Webb.
“As a strong running powerful player, we are looking forward to watching Christian progress over the next few years,” says Sydney Roosters general manager of football programs, Craig Walker.
The 15-year-old made his debut for the Tokelau U18 side at 2023 Pasifika Youth Cup in January, before the tournament was cancelled amid the Auckland floods.
He was also part of the inaugural Pasifika Aotearoa Collective U18 team that played the U17 New Zealand Warriors in April.
A standard week for the Roosters’ newest recruit consists of daily strength and conditioning training as well as club league trainings, all on top of a busy Pakuranga College schedule.
Faafoi’s agent, Michael Redpath from Strive Player Agency says he is excited for Christian to go over to Australia and test himself against some of the best young prospects in the country.
“Christian should have no problem adapting in the elite junior representative academy of the Sydney Roosters and I believe that he has a bright future if he continues to work hard,” Redpath says.
Faafoi will move to Sydney at the beginning of 2024 to join the team in their pre-season training.
Affliated with the Ellerslie Eagles Rugby League Club, Faafoi will make trip with two other U-16 league players from New Zealand.
As for the big move, Faafoi says he is just grateful to be recognised and have the opportunity to expand his Rugby League career.
“It’s quite a process to move up the ranks and make my debut so I’m just hoping I play well enough to get myself another contract,” he says.
