One New Zealand Warriors playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita has signed a one-year contract extension ensuring his return to the NRL arena will stretch to at least a third season.
The 25-year-old Toa Samoa international took a year away from the game after the 2022 Rugby League World Cup but returned to the Warriors on a two-year contract in 2024.
“Chanel made a great job of coming back into the NRL after taking time out,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“It was a significant adjustment to make after a year off but his quality and dedication came through. He’ll be so much better off having that season under his belt and has a big role to play for us.”
Harris-Tavita featured 17 times at NRL level in 2024 to lift his career tally to 71 games. He alternated between a bench utility role and the halves, scoring four tries including a double in the home win over the Broncos.
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“Chanel made a great fist of returning to the NRL after his time out,” said One New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“He was impressive the way he threw himself into the preseason and earned his way back into the side.
“He plays so tough and his defence is awesome. He’ll bring even more to us next season.”
After his fourth campaign with the One New Zealand Warriors in 2022, Harris-Tavita played a key role in Toa Samoa’s campaign at the Rugby League World Cup. He missed the opening loss to England but then played the next five games, starting at hooker in the defeat by the Kangaroos in the final at Old Trafford.
He began his comeback season in 2024 with his 31st appearance for the One New Zealand Warriors’ New South Wales Cup side in March, scoring a try and kicking four goals in a first-round win over the eventual premiers the Newtown Jets.
Profile | Chanel Harris-Tavita
Born: April 3, 1999
Birthplace: Auckland, NZ
Junior clubs: Howick Hornets, Pakuranga Jaguars, Mount Wellington Warriors
Position: Halfback/standoff
Height: 183cm
Weight: 89kg
NRL debut: One New Zealand Warriors v Gold Coast Titans, Mount Smart Stadium, Auckland, April 5, 2019 (Rd 4)
Warriors No: 233
NRL appearances: 71 (2019-2022 & 2024)
NRL points: 171 (11 tries, 63 goals, 1 field goal)
Representative: 7 Tests for Toa Samoa (2019-2022), Māori All Stars (2022), Junior Kiwis (2017-2018)
