Tuku Hau Tapuha Explained

Tukupa-Ke Taa’i Hau Tapuha (born 10 December 2001) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL.

Background

Hau Tapuha was born in Pukekohe and is of Māori & Tongan descent.^[2] He moved to Brisbane when was 11-years-old.^[3] He played his first junior rugby league for Pine Central Holy Spirit and then Valleys Diehards when he was 14.

Hau Tapuha attended Wavell State High School and represented the Queensland Schoolboys side before being signed by the Sydney Roosters.^{[4] [5]}

Playing career

Early career

In 2015, Hau Tapuha represented the Brisbane Stingers under-14 side while playing for Valleys.^[6] In 2018, he played for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Mal Meninga Cup.^{[7] [8]}

In 2019, Hau Tapuha moved to Sydney, playing for the Roosters SG Ball Cup side.^[9] In 2020, he moved up to the club's Jersey Flegg Cup side.^[10] On 15 December 2020, he re-signed with the Roosters until the end of the 2022 season.^[11]

2021

Hau Tapuha began the 2021 season playing for North Sydney in the NSW Cup.^[12]

In round 9 of the 2021 NRL season, Hau Tapuha made his first grade debut for the Sydney Roosters against Parramatta.^[13]

2024

In round 2 of the 2024 NRL season, Hau Tapuha made his club debut for Cronulla in their 25-6 victory over Canterbury.^[14] He played ten games for the club throughout the season as they finished 4th on the table and qualified for the finals.^[15] On 29 September, he played for Newtown in their 2024 NSW Cup Grand Final victory over North Sydney.^[16]

External links

• Sydney Roosters profile

Notes and References

1. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/tukupa-ke-hau-tapuha/summary.html Rugby League Project
2. Web site: Tuku Hau Tapuha.
3. Web site: Hau Tapuha hoping for a Sharks attack at his former home. 8 June 2024. NRL.
4. Web site: Queensland team named after 18 Years schoolboys carnival. 28 May 2019. qrl.com.au. 7 May 2021.
5. Web site: Wavell SHS forwards Tuku Hau Tapuha and Jayden Clarkson make Queensland schoolboys. 19 June 2019. Sydney Roosters. 7 May 2021.
6. Web site: SEQ Division Hill Stumer Championships. Docplayer.net. 7 May 2021.
7. Web site: QRL Mal Meninga Cup - 2018 Round 1. 7 March 2018. League Unlimited. 7 May 2021.
8. Web site: Mustangs chase more success in Mal Meninga Cup. 7 March 2018. qrl.com.au. 7 May 2021.
9. Web site: 2019 NSWRL Junior Representative Squads. 12 February 2019. League Unlimited. 7 May 2021.
10. Web site: Flegg Debut, S.G. Ball Return. 11 March 2020. Sydney Roosters. 7 May 2021.
11. Web site: Drew Hutchison, Naufahu Whyte and Tuku Hau Tapuha re-commit. 15 December 2020. Sydney Roosters. 7 May 2021.
12. Web site: Pathways Squads Named to Take On Sea Eagles. 9 March 2021. Sydney Roosters. 7 May 2021.
13. Web site: Round 9 NRL team lists. 4 May 2021. NRL.com. 7 May 2021.
14. Web site: Sharks fire ‘warning shot’ with statement win in chaotic clash with Bulldogs. www.foxsports.com.au.
15. Web site: The Mole's end of season review: Awkward Sharks puzzle laid bare after $1m star 'lost his way'. www.nine.com.au.
16. Web site: Newtown wins Premiership number nine. www.nswrl.com.au.