Toulouse keeps on strengthening their squad ahead of the 2023 season and makes a big move by recruiting New Zealand prop Sitaleki AKAUOLA for the next two seasons with an additional one in option.
Starting in New Zealand before heading to Australia
Born in 1992 in the southern Auckland suburb of Otahuhu, he started playing rugby league with the junior team in his home town. He later joined the New Zealand Warriors academy, before being signed by the Wests Tigers in 2012.
A talent revealed
He initially started with the Wests Tigers junior team in the NRL Under-20 Championship, and won the competition, scoring twice in the final.
These strong performances with the Under-20s opened the door to the first team and he made his first NRL appearance in 2013 against the Melbourne Storm, then signed for two years with the Tigers. He played a total of 11 games and caught the eye of Penrith Panthers’ scouts in 2015, whom he joined in 2016 and played 20 games for them until 2017.
« Sita » flies to England
Sitaleki signs to Warrington in 2018. He will spend 4 seasons with the Wolves, playing 68 games and scoring 6 tries. The English adventure continues, as he signs in 2022 with the Salford Red Devils and will play 19 games (including one against Toulouse on 20th February) for 2 tries. Toulouse Olympique are delighted to have gained such a player: « He is an excellent recruit! I think any ambitious team would want to play with Sitaleki in their ranks. He brings a lot of power and experience that will benefit the team. I would like to thank the Salford management for allowing Sita to join us”. Bernard SARRAZAIN, Toulouse Chairman.
A renowned reinforcement for Toulouse
In 2023 it is a new challenge that awaits « Sita » when he comes to reinforce the Olympian squad. Sylvain HOULES will be able to rely on this explosive prop to strengthen his forward pack! Sitaleki is also delighted to join TO XIII : My family and I, are very excited and blessed with this new journey ahead. Looking forward to getting over and meeting the coaching staff, the team behind the scenes that make everything happen and the New group of Boys I get to take the field with. Can’t wait to get over and stuck in ready for a big year.
2022 stats overview for Sitaleki:
- 19 games
- 2 tries
- 132 carries
- 848 metres
- 297 tackles
- 23 tackles busts
Technical sheet:
Name: Sitaleki – Last: AKAUOLA – Date of Birth: 07/04/1992 (30 ans)
Height: 1m93 – Weight: 106kg – Position: Prop – Former clubs: Manurewa Marlins, West Tigers, Penrith Panthers, Warrington Wolves, Salford Red Devils.
