Wests Tigers have secured the services of promising young forward Josh Aloiai for the 2016 season. Aloiai is a former Junior Kiwis representative and joins Wests Tigers after two seasons with the Parramatta Eels in both Under 20's and NSW Cup.
The talented backrower, who celebrates his 20th birthday today, is renowned for his bruising defence and strong carries.
Aloiai expressed his excitement about joining Wests Tigers for the upcoming season.
“It’s really exciting for me and I’m settling in really well,” Aloiai said.
“I get along with all the boys and the coaching staff so I’m really enjoying it so far. “I enjoyed my time at Parramatta but I believe that Wests Tigers is a step in the right direction for me.”
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Aloiai was part of the 2014 Junior Kiwis side that included current Wests Tigers’ NRL squad members Lamar Liolevave, Chance Peni, Watson Heleta and Manaia Cherrington.
“I played with a few of the boys in that Junior Kiwis team and I’ve been hanging out with them again this week which is really good.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Cherro (Manaia Cherrington) when he gets back to training because he’s a good friend of mine too.
“Having those guys around definitely has helped me fit in at Wests Tigers.”
After a stellar debut Under 20s season, the Glenora Bears junior’s 2015 campaign was interrupted by injury – however, he managed to make the step-up into NSW Cup on a number of occasions throughout the year.
“In 2015 I had a couple of setbacks due to injury but I managed to play a handful of games in both the NSW Cup and Under 20s for the Eels," he said. “I felt like when I was on the field, things were going really well but some injuries you just can’t prevent.
“I found the step up into NSW Cup really good and a real confidence booster for me - it made me feel like I’m ready to compete at that senior level.”
Aloiai has joined Wests Tigers full-time extended NRL squad at training with a host of other new faces including Matt Ballin, Joel Edwards, Justin Hunt, Jack Littlejohn, Jordan Rankin, Josh Addo-Carr and Michael Chee Kam.
Player Profile: Josh Aloiai
Date of Birth: 11th November, 1995
Position: Second Row/Lock
Rep. Honours: Junior Kiwis (2014)
Junior Clubs: Glenora Bears
