Set to make his NRL debut off the interchange bench this weekend against the New Zealand Warriors, find out a bit more about Wests Tigers young gun Josh Aloiai!
A talented back-rower, Aloiai joined Wests Tigers in November last year from the Eels having spent a handful of seasons with Parramatta. Only 20 years of age, Aloiai represented the Junior Kiwis in 2014 alongside current Wests Tigers squad members Manaia Cherrington, Watson Heleta and Lamar Liolevave, and was a standout performer in his first season of NYC Holden Cup before suffering ankle and hip injuries that hampered his 2015 season.
Having started the year in the Club’s rehab group alongside the likes of Aaron Woods and James Tedesco, Aloiai has quickly found his feet at impressed in the Club’s two opening trial matches with his strong defence and tough carries. Aloiai is a solid back-rower capable of playing in the middle of the field as well due to his size and tenacity.
Be there for the first game of 2016 when we take on the Warriors! Get your tickets here!
Captain Aaron Woods on Josh Aloiai
“He’s really surprised me with his work ethic. He’s a very hard trainer and he wants to be better than he was the day before — that’s a rare quality to have and it’s something that’s really respectable. He’s a kid who wants to learn. He’s one of the best young blokes I’ve ever come across to be honest, and I can’t wait to see him out on the field…”
Coach Jason Taylor on Josh Aloiai
“His commitment and dedication to everything that we’ve asked of him has been superb. He’s really passionate about his footy. Right from the start when he joined, the only issue we had with him in rehab was that he was doing too much. That’s typified his attitude since joining and he’s been an absolute pleasure to coach…”
Josh Aloiai on making his debut
“Debuting for Wests Tigers was my main goal this year. It’s an answer to a lot of prayers — not just myself but my family too. It’s a dream come true and something that I’ll always cherish, and I just want to do myself and my teammates proud on Saturday.”
Player Profile: Josh Aloiai
Birthday: 11th November, 1995
Position: Second Row, Lock
Height: 185cm
Weight: 115kg
Junior Club: Glenora Bears
Social Media: Instagram — @joshaloiai
10 Facts about Josh Aloiai
Lucky Number: 7
Shoe Size: 13
Can you cook: No
Can you dance: Definitely!
Favourite milkshake: Strawberry
Do you like Turkish Delight: Yes
Scrambled or fried eggs: Scrambled
Orange or apple juice: Apple juice
Jelly or ice cream: Ice cream
Super fast or super strong: Super fast
