Rodrick Tai: Everything you need to know about Warrington Wolves’ new signing

Get to know everything about Warrington Wolves’ new signing Rodrick Tai with a detailed look at his rugby league career so far.

The Papua New Guinea international has signed a one-year deal with Warrington for 2024, with the option of a further year in the club’s favour.

Tai is a centre by trade, so he’ll strengthen an area where the Wire have been a little short on this season. He can also play wing and back-row.

Who is Rodrick Tai? Meet Warrington Wolves new recruit

Tai was born and raised in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea.

He has played the majority of his career as a centre – but can also play on the wing and in the back-row.

Tai has spent the past two seasons in the Queensland Cup with the PNG Hunters, scoring 14 tries in 34 appearances. He has also spent time in an NRL environment this year with the Dolphins.

The Kumuls centre has been in fine form for the PNG Hunters in 2023, scoring eight tries in 19 games as well as providing seven assists.

Tai has also made 78 tackle breaks this season, 10 line breaks and averages 144 metres per match.

Tai made his international debut for his native Papua New Guinea last year, playing in all four of their matches at the World Cup, including their quarter-final defeat to hosts England in Wigan.

He actually played at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium at the World Cup, scoring two tries in a 32-16 win over the Cook Islands in the group stages.

Our new signing is already familiar with scoring tries at the HJ 🔥🇵🇬 pic.twitter.com/vzFFBQEJql

— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) August 31, 2023

Tai will become the third Papua New Guinea international to have played for Warrington, following in the footsteps of John Wilshere and Tom O’Reilly.

He will now ply his trade in Super League with Warrington from 2024 for at least a season.

QUIZ: Can you name every Papua New Guinea international to have played in Super League?

Factfile

Name: Rodrick Tai

DOB: 21/12/1998 (24 years old)

Born: Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Hometown: Mount Hagen

Position: Centre

PNG Hunters – Games: 34 Tries: 14

Rodrick Tai ‘excited’ to be linking up with Warrington Wolves

The Papua New Guinean says he is excited to be linking up with Warrington, who will be coached by Great Britain and England legend Sam Burgess in 2024.

Speaking at the time of his signing announcement, Tai said: “I’m very excited, it’s a huge move for me to be joining a great club in Warrington.

“Sam (Burgess) called me and said there’s an opportunity. Even him calling was huge for me! I’m looking forward now to giving my all in pre-season, working hard and playing my part next year.

“During the World Cup with PNG we stayed in Warrington so there’ll be some familiarities there for me. It was a great experience for us Kumuls and myself and my family can’t wait to come back over to the town.”

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