Newcastle Knights young versatile forward Tamakaimoana Whareaorere has been poached by the South Sydney Rabbitohs for 2027.
The 22-year-old who was born in New Zealand can play anywhere in the forward pack, and will likely push for higher honours as he makes the move to Maroubra.
Whareaorere played 12 games in the NSW Cup for the Knights during 2026, and while his minutes were limited, his work rate was impressive, while he also found his way over for two tries during his performances for the Hunter-based side.
The versatile forward's move to the Rabbitohs will see him, as he was at the Knights, start a long way down the pecking order, but the idea of him progressing is very much alive over the coming season.
The forward, since his move from New Zealand, has been a produce of Newcastle's pathways where he also played in the under-17 Harold Matthews Cup and under-19 SG Ball in recent seasons before progressing in to the Jersey Flegg Cup and NSW Cup.
He has impressed at every level he has played, and the Rabbitohs signing him is another signal of their intent to continue building their junior talent in an area where it's difficult to do so.
The Tauranga-born forward will officially link up with the Rabbitohs for the start of NRL pre-season in November.
