Asu Kepaoa #236

[The_Patriot]

Am I missing something...after watching the highlights reel I'm not seeing anything special to warrant a 3 year deal. Has anyone actually seen him play and can give an honest assessment ?‍♂️

This is the player we are chasing from Nth Qld. I believe he is highly rated. It seems we are targeting elite juniors.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-contracts-2019-cowboys-teenager-squad-2020-raiders-signings/news-story/ddc63d4a055d80130bffde824f46590b

Maguire knows what he is doing. So good after the Taylor and Clearly years where they completely ignored juniors of this calibre.

 

[tony soprano]

Kepaoa follows SBW to league, only to make way for his Roosters return

Adrian ProszenkoJuly 29, 2020 — 1.31pm
Sonny Bill Williams probably doesn’t realise how he shaped the career of the player who has made his return to the Roosters possible.

Well before Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa agreed to an early transfer to Wests Tigers, a move that opened up a top-30 spot for Williams at the premiers, the promising outside back was a huge fan of the cross-code star.

When Kepaoa was on a scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, a renowned rugby nursery that has produced 22 All Blacks, he grew up hoping to make his name in the 15-man game. But then he saw the impact Williams had on the Roosters and the NRL, and decided that was the path he wanted to follow.

“Sonny has had a massive influence on me, especially as a little Islander boy coming out of New Zealand,” Kepaoa told the Herald.

“I was getting close to going to rugby union [until he switched back]. Just the way he goes about things, how professional he is off the field, just inspires me.

“The little things he does off the field show on the field. It would have been good to learn a few things off Sonny, take notes on what he does at training.”

Instead, of making his mark at the Roosters, Kepaoa is now a Tiger. The 20-year-old had agreed last month to join the joint-venture outfit on a three-year deal and the parties were keen to expedite the move. The Tricolours held firm until they needed to free up a spot for Williams. The move will prove mutually beneficial.

Kepaoa had been on the cusp of an NRL debut countless times for the Roosters, but injury struck just as he was about to get his chance. The three-quarter had hoped to get a few games alongside Williams, but instead could come up against him when the teams clash in round 15.

“I would love to, for sure, that would be awesome,” Kepaoa said.

It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now.

“The Roosters is a top-class team, they have plenty of first-class players and I felt my opportunity was blocked there. An opportunity popped up and I felt I could get more experience at the Tigers. I felt it was best for me, it was good timing.

“It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now. It’s an opportunity to get out and get some game time, just expose myself out there.

“I feel like I gained a bit of knowledge under the likes of Brett Morris, Ryan Hall and all those first-class wingers. It's been good, but now I feel it’s time to move on.”

Tigers coach Michael Maguire opted not to rush Kepaoa into his side for Friday’s clash with the Warriors, given he only just arrived at the club. However, he will be considered for selection the following week against Newcastle.

Kepaoa is ready whenever the opportunity arises. Had it not been for a torn pectoral that sidelined him for much of last season, he would have already made his NRL debut. He may not be the only player in his family to eventually do so.

Younger brother Petelo, 17, remains in the Roosters system and is considered a future first-grader. They may get the chance to square off in coming years.

“That’s the dream for both of us,” said Kepaoa, who is completing business and interior design courses.

“It would be good to get our family name out there. I can’t wait, hopefully the journey goes well for him.

“One of my main goals is to get my parents a house. I want to make sure I grind it out.”

Interesting that it says he could be considered for next weeks game. Only person I could see making way in our back line is Mbye

Most likely talau , Lawrence or bJ or if mbye ends up at fb if douei has another shocker .

The pressure is on with bringing him in at this stage of the season .. the backline has no X factor non ballplaying / slow as .. this guy could just be what’s missing . I think any position from 5/8 out could be up for grabs you don’t bring it to the table your gone ! This is how you finally break the finals drought .!

Certainly looks like could add speed and X factor

 

[hodgo]

We actually talked to a young prop for nq named garret Smith my mate in nq said we haven't approached skimpkin

 

[WT2K]

We actually talked to a young prop for nq named garret Smith my mate in nq said we haven't approached skimpkin

Describe him as a workhorse middle
https://www.cowboys.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys/garrett-smith/

 

[Madge]

https://www.cowboys.com.au/news/2019/09/25/young-guns-garrett-smith/

 

[the_third]

Looks ok, but he’s twice the size of the kids he’s playing against

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Kepaoa follows SBW to league, only to make way for his Roosters return

Adrian ProszenkoJuly 29, 2020 — 1.31pm
Sonny Bill Williams probably doesn’t realise how he shaped the career of the player who has made his return to the Roosters possible.

Well before Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa agreed to an early transfer to Wests Tigers, a move that opened up a top-30 spot for Williams at the premiers, the promising outside back was a huge fan of the cross-code star.

When Kepaoa was on a scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, a renowned rugby nursery that has produced 22 All Blacks, he grew up hoping to make his name in the 15-man game. But then he saw the impact Williams had on the Roosters and the NRL, and decided that was the path he wanted to follow.

“Sonny has had a massive influence on me, especially as a little Islander boy coming out of New Zealand,” Kepaoa told the Herald.

“I was getting close to going to rugby union [until he switched back]. Just the way he goes about things, how professional he is off the field, just inspires me.

“The little things he does off the field show on the field. It would have been good to learn a few things off Sonny, take notes on what he does at training.”

Instead, of making his mark at the Roosters, Kepaoa is now a Tiger. The 20-year-old had agreed last month to join the joint-venture outfit on a three-year deal and the parties were keen to expedite the move. The Tricolours held firm until they needed to free up a spot for Williams. The move will prove mutually beneficial.

Kepaoa had been on the cusp of an NRL debut countless times for the Roosters, but injury struck just as he was about to get his chance. The three-quarter had hoped to get a few games alongside Williams, but instead could come up against him when the teams clash in round 15.

“I would love to, for sure, that would be awesome,” Kepaoa said.

It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now.

“The Roosters is a top-class team, they have plenty of first-class players and I felt my opportunity was blocked there. An opportunity popped up and I felt I could get more experience at the Tigers. I felt it was best for me, it was good timing.

“It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now. It’s an opportunity to get out and get some game time, just expose myself out there.

“I feel like I gained a bit of knowledge under the likes of Brett Morris, Ryan Hall and all those first-class wingers. It's been good, but now I feel it’s time to move on.”

Tigers coach Michael Maguire opted not to rush Kepaoa into his side for Friday’s clash with the Warriors, given he only just arrived at the club. However, he will be considered for selection the following week against Newcastle.

Kepaoa is ready whenever the opportunity arises. Had it not been for a torn pectoral that sidelined him for much of last season, he would have already made his NRL debut. He may not be the only player in his family to eventually do so.

Younger brother Petelo, 17, remains in the Roosters system and is considered a future first-grader. They may get the chance to square off in coming years.

“That’s the dream for both of us,” said Kepaoa, who is completing business and interior design courses.

“It would be good to get our family name out there. I can’t wait, hopefully the journey goes well for him.

“One of my main goals is to get my parents a house. I want to make sure I grind it out.”

Interesting that it says he could be considered for next weeks game. Only person I could see making way in our back line is Mbye

On the cusp of NRL selection with injury preventing his selection for the Roosters is pretty good.

Also having a 17 year old brother in the Rorters system is interesting if WT'S look after him brother may follow

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Kepaoa follows SBW to league, only to make way for his Roosters return

Adrian ProszenkoJuly 29, 2020 — 1.31pm
Sonny Bill Williams probably doesn’t realise how he shaped the career of the player who has made his return to the Roosters possible.

Well before Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa agreed to an early transfer to Wests Tigers, a move that opened up a top-30 spot for Williams at the premiers, the promising outside back was a huge fan of the cross-code star.

When Kepaoa was on a scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, a renowned rugby nursery that has produced 22 All Blacks, he grew up hoping to make his name in the 15-man game. But then he saw the impact Williams had on the Roosters and the NRL, and decided that was the path he wanted to follow.

“Sonny has had a massive influence on me, especially as a little Islander boy coming out of New Zealand,” Kepaoa told the Herald.

“I was getting close to going to rugby union [until he switched back]. Just the way he goes about things, how professional he is off the field, just inspires me.

“The little things he does off the field show on the field. It would have been good to learn a few things off Sonny, take notes on what he does at training.”

Instead, of making his mark at the Roosters, Kepaoa is now a Tiger. The 20-year-old had agreed last month to join the joint-venture outfit on a three-year deal and the parties were keen to expedite the move. The Tricolours held firm until they needed to free up a spot for Williams. The move will prove mutually beneficial.

Kepaoa had been on the cusp of an NRL debut countless times for the Roosters, but injury struck just as he was about to get his chance. The three-quarter had hoped to get a few games alongside Williams, but instead could come up against him when the teams clash in round 15.

“I would love to, for sure, that would be awesome,” Kepaoa said.

It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now.

“The Roosters is a top-class team, they have plenty of first-class players and I felt my opportunity was blocked there. An opportunity popped up and I felt I could get more experience at the Tigers. I felt it was best for me, it was good timing.

“It’s a massive win for me, it gives me a chance to play first grade now. It’s an opportunity to get out and get some game time, just expose myself out there.

“I feel like I gained a bit of knowledge under the likes of Brett Morris, Ryan Hall and all those first-class wingers. It's been good, but now I feel it’s time to move on.”

Tigers coach Michael Maguire opted not to rush Kepaoa into his side for Friday’s clash with the Warriors, given he only just arrived at the club. However, he will be considered for selection the following week against Newcastle.

Kepaoa is ready whenever the opportunity arises. Had it not been for a torn pectoral that sidelined him for much of last season, he would have already made his NRL debut. He may not be the only player in his family to eventually do so.

Younger brother Petelo, 17, remains in the Roosters system and is considered a future first-grader. They may get the chance to square off in coming years.

“That’s the dream for both of us,” said Kepaoa, who is completing business and interior design courses.

“It would be good to get our family name out there. I can’t wait, hopefully the journey goes well for him.

“One of my main goals is to get my parents a house. I want to make sure I grind it out.”

Interesting that it says he could be considered for next weeks game. Only person I could see making way in our back line is Mbye

On the cusp of NRL selection with injury preventing his selection for the Roosters is pretty good.

Also having a 17 year old brother in the Rorters system is interesting if WT'S look after him brother may follow

I like your thinking.

 

[Harvey]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

 

[weststigerman]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

I would have thought twins are the same age.

 

[Sart0ri]

I would have thought twins are the same age.

They usually come out one at a time

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in the junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

 

[Harvey]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in the junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

Lighten up, I was taking the mickey..

Apart from the Mitchell's, which of the other sibling sets have one brother significantly better than the other or one that could be described as bog average

 

[jirskyr]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in the junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

Lighten up, I was taking the mickey..

Apart from the Mitchell's, which of the other sibling sets have one brother significantly better than the other or one that could be described as bog average

About a thousand: Ashton Sims and the other 2. Michael vs George and Robert Jennings. Sam Burgess and the other two. Chris and Ben/Shane Walker, Ben and Marmin Barba. Mitch and James Aubusson, Anthony and Mark Miniciello. Nathan and Jason Cayless. Darrell and Craig Trindall, Dane and Boyd Cordner, Andrew and David Fafita. Liam and Kieran Foran, Turvey Mortimer and his brothers, Mad Dog and Mad Pup McDougall, Luke and Kyle O'Donnell, Junior and Joseph Paulo, Curtis and Bayley Siro (though the latter is coming on).

Lots of bros going around and most who play NRL their bro would have played footy too.

Found out something new today: Isaah Yeo's father is Justin Yeo who played for Balmain in the 90s. I didn't know the connection.

 

[Cairnstigers]

I would have thought twins are the same age.

They usually come out one at a time

Not if their born in Gladstone

 

[Cairnstigers]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in he junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

I really don't think that was a serious comment
We all know the Roosters don't run Scams
Harvey also said "Bog Ordinary" not "Bog Average"
Both Morris twins have been great players
and Mitchell is not doing much this year
I see Harvey's comment as a jibe at the Roosters
Nothing sinister in it at all

 

[Geo]

Congratulations young man here a week and set to become Wests Tigers player #236..

Enjoy not only your NRL debut your Mighty Wests Tigers also..

Hope you get a treble treble..

 

[Elderslie_Tiger]

Sowie's Debutant Watch | Tigers' cub ready to roar
Author
NSWRL
Timestamp
Wed 5 Aug 2020, 01:34 PM



True Blue Jamie Soward casts his eyes over the Canterbury Cup NSW graduates who are set to make their respective NRL debuts this weekend.

Asu Kepaoa

Former North Sydney Bears winger Asu Kepaoa is set to make his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers in their Round 13 clash against the Newcastle Knights.


Kepaoa had an impressive stint in his 2019 Canterbury Cup NSW campaign after scoring five tries in 14 appearances for the Bears, who act as the feeder club for the Sydney Roosters.

The New Zealand-born outside back earned a spot in the Roosters Perth Nines squad this year before being granted release from the tri-colours to join the Tigers on a three and a half year deal.

The 20-year-old will slot straight into the starting side this week as the Tigers look to push their way back into the top eight.

Soward says: “He’s a big body who gets through his work.

“He’ll be going in under a lot of pressure in a big game of the year for the Tigers, but I’ll be looking forward to watching another debutant from Canterbury Cup

 

[Tiger5150]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in the junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

Lighten up, I was taking the mickey..

Apart from the Mitchell's, which of the other sibling sets have one brother significantly better than the other or one that could be described as bog average

About a thousand: Ashton Sims and the other 2. Michael vs George and Robert Jennings. Sam Burgess and the other two. Chris and Ben/Shane Walker, Ben and Marmin Barba. Mitch and James Aubusson, Anthony and Mark Miniciello. Nathan and Jason Cayless. Darrell and Craig Trindall, Dane and Boyd Cordner, Andrew and David Fafita. Liam and Kieran Foran, Turvey Mortimer and his brothers, Mad Dog and Mad Pup McDougall, Luke and Kyle O'Donnell, Junior and Joseph Paulo, Curtis and Bayley Siro (though the latter is coming on).

Lots of bros going around and most who play NRL their bro would have played footy too.

Found out something new today: Isaah Yeo's father is Justin Yeo who played for Balmain in the 90s. I didn't know the connection.

If my memory is correct Paul Sironen had a brother that played lower grades at Balmain as well.

 

[Rowdy12]

Beware. It is a roosters scam to sign the bog ordinary elder sibling to get their hands on the younger one.

Have a look at:
Shaquai & Latrell Mitchell
Nat and Egan Butcher
The Morris twins

What do you mean bog average he was in the junior kiwis 2019 play 15 games in lower grades for Rorters had Latrell and Manu in front of him and had a pec injury that has subsequently held him back please wait till he plays before you make stupid statements

Lighten up, I was taking the mickey..

Apart from the Mitchell's, which of the other sibling sets have one brother significantly better than the other or one that could be described as bog average

About a thousand: Ashton Sims and the other 2. Michael vs George and Robert Jennings. Sam Burgess and the other two. Chris and Ben/Shane Walker, Ben and Marmin Barba. Mitch and James Aubusson, Anthony and Mark Miniciello. Nathan and Jason Cayless. Darrell and Craig Trindall, Dane and Boyd Cordner, Andrew and David Fafita. Liam and Kieran Foran, Turvey Mortimer and his brothers, Mad Dog and Mad Pup McDougall, Luke and Kyle O'Donnell, Junior and Joseph Paulo, Curtis and Bayley Siro (though the latter is coming on).

Lots of bros going around and most who play NRL their bro would have played footy too.

Found out something new today: Isaah Yeo's father is Justin Yeo who played for Balmain in the 90s. I didn't know the connection.


If my memory is correct Paul Sironen had a brother that played lower grades at Balmain as well.

Yep older brother, he played first grade for Souths


I thinnkPaul may have actually played against him in his debut game