Zeb Taia to play on in 2021 with Wynnum Manly Seagulls

Drew Darbyshire

Former St Helens forward Zeb Taia will go around again in 2021 after signing for Wynnum Manly Seagulls.

The 36-year-old left Saints at the end of last season to return home to Australia with his family and has now joined the Seagulls, who play in the Queensland Cup.

Taia won back-to-back Super League titles with Saints and was named in the Super League Dream Team in 2015. He represented the Cook Islands at the 2013 World Cup.

The experienced back-rower has made more than 300 career appearances for Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, Catalans Dragons, Gold Coast Titans and St Helens.

Seagulls CEO Hanan Laban said: “Zeb brings strong experience and a winning pedigree to our squad.

“We have quite a young roster and Zeb will be able to show our aspiring players what it takes to be a full-time footballer with his professionalism, work ethic and approach to training and games. In particular, he will be a great role model for guys like TC Robati, who are working hard to have a career like his.

“We are very fortunate to sign a player of Zeb’s stature, and he will add a lot to our forward pack and team. Importantly, Zeb is a really good character, who lives the values of our club and we look forward to seeing him on the field this season.”