The opportunity to return ‘home’ and re-establish himself in the world’s toughest rugby league arena was a huge carrot in enticing prop Siua Taukei’aho to Manly.
A two-time premiership winner, Taukei'aho brings a wealth of experience and strength to the Sea Eagles in 2025.
A player with a tremendous work ethic, Taukei'aho is a welcome addition to the Sea Eagles with his leadership skills and knowledge.
Taukei'aho played 167 matches for the Sydney Roosters from 2014-2022, capturing back-to-back premiership rings in 2018-19.
A solid goal-kicker as well, Taukei'aho has played 16 Internationals for New Zealand and Mate Ma’a Tonga.
The powerful forward returns to the NRL after playing at Catalans Dragons in 2023, where he played in the Super League Grand Final loss to Wigan.
Now in his 12th pre-season, the 32-year-old Taukei’aho is ready to fire for the Sea Eagles next season after liking what he heard from Manly Coach Anthony Seibold.
“When I spoke to ‘Seibs’ about coming here, it was about the quality players that Manly have in the Trbojevic brothers, Daly Cherry-Evans, and Luke Brooks to name a few,’’ he said.
“But then you look at the strong forward pack here and someone like Haumole Olakauátu. I wanted to be a part of that and feel like we can do something special next year.
“The thing I like about Haumole is that he is a real, humble nice giant, but when you play alongside him, he is one of those players you want next to you because of his sheer physical strength.
“I don’t know what it is but he just ends up giving it to blokes. I was one of them at the Roosters. I have found his shoulders a few times. I’m now lucky enough to stand next to him.
“You can see the growth in him as a person and as a player. He played Origin for NSW this year and is now one of the key players for Tonga, like he is here at Manly. I feel he will be a standout here over the next couple of years.”
A devoted family man, Taukei’aho has five sisters and one brother back in New Zealand. He is also the proud father of five children, ranging in age from four months to 10.
The family have lived on the Northern Beaches for the past five years and are enjoying the beautiful lifestyle of the 'insular peninsula' again.
“I went to France with three boys and came home with two extra girls. There must have been something in those croissants over there,’’ Taukei’aho said, with a laugh.
“My family give me the reason to do what I love doing. My wife does all the hard yards at home, all the babysitting and changing the nappies.
“I get to come here to pre-season training doing what I love because of my wife. Everything that I do is for them, but also for the players and the fans of the club.
“For me, it’s always been about my mentality. I always want to try and lead from the front. I had a lot of senior players when I was coming through the Roosters in Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sonny Bill Williams, and a young Boyd Cordner at the time.
“I was able to learn off them. It took me three or four years to become one of the leaders at the Roosters. What I've learnt has also helped me to become a better role model for my kids as a father and as a husband."
Like all rugby league supporters, Taukei’aho is eagerly awaiting for the season kick-off which sees the Sea Eagles tackle the North Queensland Cowboys at 4 Pines Park on Saturday, March 8.
“When I was in France, I was still waking up early to watch the NRL games. I kind of missed the atmosphere and missed challenging myself of playing at the highest level,'' he added.
“It was one of the reasons why I wanted to come back. I missed the game. I was lucky enough to come back here to Manly. Now that I’m here, I’m very excited for the season."
