When Aitasi James runs out on Thursday night at CommBank Stadium, he will become Wests Tigers Player #271.
Like most aspiring young players, reaching the NRL is the ultimate goal, with many sacrifices along the way.
A quietly spoken prop, James relocated from New Zealand to Australia in his teens, chasing better opportunities and a dream. He left a lot behind, including his family and friends.
“I always thought I could make it to the NRL but I just had to work hard on myself, on and off the pitch,” he says.
It was really hard leaving my family but I’m just so grateful they will be there to see my debut.
Aitasi James
What Aitasi didn’t know when he made the move to Sydney was that a global pandemic called Covid-19 would add further bumps in his journey to the NRL.
It would also prevent him from seeing his family for almost three years.
James made another move at the end of 2021, from Parramatta where he played junior reps, to Wests Tigers.
In February, the 22-year-old saw his family and friends for the first time in a long time, when he travelled with Wests Tigers to Auckland to play against the Warriors in the 2023 Pre-season Challenge.
“It was just so good to see my mum and dad and everyone because I hadn’t seen them since Christmas in 2019," he said.
"I’m so thankful that Mum and other family will be there for my debut, as they were for my jersey presentation.
I want to thank the club for flying them out here, it means so much.
Aitasi James
"Mum doesn’t really know much about the NRL so she’s going to be so excited when she rocks up on Thursday."
The 110kg middle forward has played 35 games for Wests Magpies in the NSW Cup over the past two seasons, and is eager to make the step up to first grade.
“I know when I get out there my teammates will have my back and I’ve got theirs,” he said.
Aitasi will be the fourth Wests Tigers player this season to make his NRL debut, following hot on the heels of Brandon Tumeth, Jahream Bula and Tallyn Da Silva.
