Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of talented outside back Asu Kepaoa effective immediately, after he was granted a release from the Sydney Roosters.
Kepaoa joins the club on a three-and-a-half-year deal that will see him feature in Wests Tigers colours until at least the end of the 2023 season.
Nicknamed “AJ”, the 20-year-old Kepaoa played his junior football with the Roosters before earning a spot in the Tricolours’ squad at the Perth Nines earlier this year.
Capable of playing any position in the backline, Kepaoa crossed for five tries in 14 games for the North Sydney Bears in last season’s Canterbury Cup competition and expressed his excitement to take the next step in his career with Wests Tigers.
“I’m really excited to be here and take the next step in my journey,” Kepaoa said.
“Looking at the club and how it’s building, I think I can help take it to the next level and it can do the same for me too.
“It makes me excited to know that if I keep working hard then there’s an opportunity right there in front of me and it’s up to me to take it with both hands.”
“It makes me excited to know that if I keep working hard then there’s an opportunity right there in front of me and it’s up to me to take it with both hands.”
Asu Kepaoa
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed Kepaoa to the club.
“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, I’d like to welcome AJ to Wests Tigers and say how excited we are to have him as part of our club moving forward,” Pascoe said.
“AJ is a tremendously exciting young talent who clearly has a big future ahead of him, and we’re looking forward to him progressing forward in a Wests Tigers jersey.”
Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire said Kepaoa was a strong addition for the squad this season and looked forward to him developing further at the club.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome AJ to Wests Tigers at this point of the season,” Maguire said.
“I’ve been very impressed by his knowledge, leadership and his character both on and off the field. He is a bright and talented player, and his excitement to join this club is a strong show of intent in what we’re building at Wests Tigers.”
