Rookie Vodafone Warriors winger Edward Kosi has been upgraded to a full NRL contract to the end of the 2023 season.
The 22-year-old Mangere East Hawks junior was on a development contract when he made his first-grade debut in the Vodafone Warriors’ eighth-round win over North Queensland on May 2.
Finishing his first NRL season with five appearances, he also played nine matches for feeder club Redcliffe in Queensland’s Intrust Super Cup.
“Ed’s come a long way in a short time especially allowing for playing no footy in 2020 and also an interrupted 2021 through Covid,” said Vodafone Warriors recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan.
“He has come through the ranks from our 20s, reserve grade and Redcliffe to debut this year. His play twos in Intrust Super Cup were outstanding and every aspect of his game is on the up.
“Ed has earned his contract and with more experience in the next two years he’ll push to be a permanent member of the starting 13.”
Kosi’s debut against the Cowboys came in dramatic circumstances when he was called into the side to replace an injured David Fusitu’a with only an hour’s notice.
“The way Ed handled himself that day was really impressive,” said Vodafone Warriors head coach Nathan Brown.
“He had no time to prepare but he got heavily involved from the outset and has gone on to make real strides this year. We seem him having a big future.”
Kosi was one of six NRL rookies introduced by the Vodafone Warriors this year. Like him, Rocco Berry, Taniela Otukolo and Viliami Vailea also came through the club’s system. The quartet along with fellow debutants Reece Walsh and Jackson Frei all stepped up to the NRL after playing for Redcliffe.
In his five NRL outings this year Kosi averaged 110 metres, made nine tackles breaks and scored his first try in the win over Canterbury Bankstown.
For the Dolphins he averaged 125 metres a game, made 19 tackles breaks and scored four tries.
EDWARD KOSI
Born: January 28, 1999
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior Club: Mangere East Hawks (Auckland)
Position: Winger
Height: 193cm
Weight: 107kg
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys, Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, May 2, 2021 (Rd 8)
Vodafone Warriors No: 260
NRL Games: 5 (2021)
NRL Points: 4 (1 try)
Representative: NRL Nines (2020)
