After the busiest campaign of his NRL career, One New Zealand Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki has signed a second contract extension in nine months to stretch his time with the club to the end of the 2029 season.
The 27-year-old locked in a one-year deal in February and has now earned another term to ensure he remains with the club for a seventh season since making his debut in 2023.
“Taine has come off a terrific season and proven yet again what an asset he is for the club,”
said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He’s been a great success story after initially joining us on a train and trial deal four years ago.”
After playing 25 games over his first three seasons, Tuaupiki almost doubled his career tally by appearing in 22 of the One New Zealand Warriors’ 26 matches this year leaving him just three short of his 50-game milestone.
“Having Taine here for another three years is hugely exciting for us,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He never stops competing and earned the right this year to play at NRL level consistently for the first time; his game came on so much as a result.
“We have the greatest admiration for him not only as a quality player but also as a wonderful example of someone who is always team-first.”
Tuaupiki strung together a series of outstanding performances across the season.
He topped both metres made (3798) and average metres (172) for the Warriors including 200 metres plus nine times while he ranked eighth among all NRL players for most tackle breaks with 124 including 16 against the Knights in the Eden Park final and 10 in two other games.
He finished with 17 line breaks and scored seven tries as well as kicking 31 goals (84 per cent success rate) for a total of 90 points.
An individual highlight was his effort in running down Manly Warringah speedster Jason Saab which was voted the Dally M tackle of the year.
Profile | Taine Tuaupiki
Born: August 31, 1999
Birthplace: Sydney, NSW
Junior clubs: Ngaruawahia Panthers (Waikato), Runaway Bay Seagulls (Queensland)
Position: Fullback
Height: 178cm
Weight: 83kg
Warriors No: 279
NRL debut: One New Zealand Warriors v North Queensland Cowboys, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville, March 18, 2023 (Rd 3)
NRL career: One New Zealand Warriors
Appearances: 47 (2023-2026)
Points: 90 (10 tries, 35 goals)
New South Wales Cup career: One New Zealand Warriors
Appearances: 36 (2023-2025)
Points: 192 (19 tries, 58 goals)
Queensland Cup: Burleigh Bears
Appearances: 23 (2021-2022)
Points: 56 (14 tries)
