Experienced forward Jazz Tevaga has extended his One New Zealand Warriors NRL career to nine seasons after today signing a new one-year deal to the end of the 2024 season.
The 27-year-old’s recommitment follows a 2022 campaign which saw him become the 27th player to make 100 first-grade appearances for the club.
Heading into the return home from Covid exile, Tevaga shares the honour with established teammate Bunty Afoa of being the club’s newest 100-game players; only Shaun Johnson of the current squad has made more appearances for the One New Zealand Warriors.
“Jazz contributes so much to what our club stands for,” said One New Zealand Warriors GM recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He brings so much energy, toughness and passion to the team as well as so much care and pride for a club which has been his home for so long.
“We’re thrilled he’ll be with us for another year as we head into an era of real change.”
After first wearing the club’s colours in the NYC under-20 team in 2014 and then in the New South Wales Cup, Tevaga went on to make his NRL debut against Melbourne in 2016.
“I’m so happy knowing we’re back home at last for the 2023 season after being in Australia for the last three years,” he said.
“I’m excited with what lies ahead with a new coach in Webby (Andrew Webster) and a lot of new players. And I can’t wait to be playing in front of our fans at last. That’s what I’ve missed the most.”
Across his 108-match career, Tevaga averages 84 metres and 34 tackles a game.
JAZZ TEVAGA
Born: September 4, 1995
Birthplace: Christchurch, NZ
Junior Clubs: Burnham Chevaliers (Christchurch), Papakura Sea Eagles (Auckland)
Position: Loose forward/hooker
Height: 178cm
Weight: 98kg
Vodafone Warriors No: 209
NRL Debut: Vodafone Warriors v Melbourne, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, March 20, 2016 (Round 3)
NRL Games: 108 (2016-2022)
NRL Points: 28 (7 tries)
Representative: Four Tests for Toa Samoa (2017-2022), Māori All Stars (2022), Junior Kiwis (2015)
