Rua Ngatikaura joins Wests Tigers top squad

Wests Tigers are pleased to confirm that Rua Ngatikaura has signed a contract to join our 30-man roster for season’s 2023 and 2024.

The 21 year old hooker captained Wests Tigers’ Jersey Flegg Cup side in 2021 and was subsequently named Player of the Year.

Following his first full pre-season with the Wests Tigers, the young dummy half says he’s delighted to be rewarded with a place in the top squad, “It’s great to get a place in the thirty having come through the lower grades.”

I'm just trying to learn more every day

Rua Ngatikaura

“It’s a big step up and training is just so intense. But I do love the professionalism.”

Rua had a taste of top-flight footy in the pre-season trials, crossing for a try which was overturned against Manly.

His efforts sparked plenty of interest among Wests Tigers fans but he says the attention is not something he thinks too much about, “I’m glad I made a good impression, but I don’t really buy in too much to that kind of stuff. I just want to focus on footy, and improve every day.”

Coach Michael Maguire expects Ngatikaura to make the most of his opportunity, ”He’s obviously a talented player. Now it’s about Rua committing to what’s required to play at the highest level in the game.”

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe congratulated Ngatikaura on his new deal,

Rua has worked hard to get to this point, and this is a wonderful opportunity for him to develop his career even further with us

Justin Pascoe

“It’s so pleasing to see yet another player come through our lower grades and be added to our top squad

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, well done.”