Keep an ear out for the name Demetric Sifakula because he might just play first-grade sooner rather than later after the New Zealand Warriors upgraded his contract.
After impressive performances in the Warriors opening trial fixture, Sifakula has been upgraded to a top 30 contract and re-signed until the end of 2025.
First signed by the club as a 15-year-old from the Otahuhu Leopards, Warriors coach Andrew Webster says that everything they have seen from Sifakula suggests he is a player that will play first-grade.
“Demitric might still be 18 but it was no surprise to us that he should look right at home playing alongside NRL players in the trial,” said Webster.
“Everything we’ve seen of him has reinforced to us that he’s a player who belongs at this level.”
Just as excited to see how he goes is former Warriors coach Andrew McFadden, who now works in the club’s recruitment department.
“We’re really excited about what the future holds for Demitric. He’s a player of special ability,” said One New Zealand Warriors general manager recruitment, development and pathways McFadden.
“He suffered a real setback when he needed shoulder surgery in 2021 but he proved how dedicated and resilient he is with the way he came back last season.
“He has done all that has been asked of him to reach this point.”