Manaia Waitere
Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 2 January 2002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 183 cm (6 ft 0 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 93 kg (14 st 9 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre, Five-eighth | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 2 November 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Manaia Waitere (born 2 January 2002) is a New Zealand rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL).
He previously played with the Canberra Raiders.
Background
Born in New Zealand, Waitere played his junior football for the Como Crocs while attending Endeavour Sports High. He was signed by the Cronulla Sharks, playing for the Jersey Flegg team from 2021 to 2023. [2] In 2024, Waitere signed for the Canberra Raiders. [3]
Career
In round 27 2025, Waitere made his NRL debut for Canberra against the Dolphins at Kayo Stadium. [4] He started at Centre in a 62-24 loss.
In late 2025, Waitere was released by the Raiders, signing a one year contract with the Melbourne Storm ahead of the 2026 NRL season.[5][6]
References
- ^ "Manaia Waitere - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project".
- ^ "Manaia Waitere". Titansm.com.au.
- ^ "Canberra Raiders quintet land Top 30 deals for 2026 season". Zerotackle.com.
- ^ "Raiders debutants to create NRL minor premiership history". Canberratimes.com.au.
- ^ "Storm secure trio of signings for 2026". melbournestorm.com.au. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 3 December 2025.
- ^ Goodwin, Sam (3 December 2025). "Melbourne Storm confirm signing of playmaker from Panthers as three players join NRL club". Yahoo News. Retrieved 3 December 2025.