Leka Halasima

The 18-year-old Leka Halasima was called up to make his NRL debut in the One New Zealand Warriors’ 18th-round match against Canterbury Bankstown in Sydney.

He became the fifth NRL debutant to graduate from the One New Zealand Warriors’ development system in the last two seasons following second rower Demitric Sifakula (#278), centre Ali Leiataua (#282), back rower Jacob Laban (#286) and prop Zyon Maiu’u (#287).

Born in Tofoa in Tonga, Halasima exploded onto the scene as a 17-year-old with the SG Ball Cup (under-18) side last year, playing six matches, scoring two tries, averaging 125 metres and making 35 tackle breaks. He was named the club’s SG Ball Cup player of the year.

Such was his potential he was quickly pushed up into the New South Wales Cup where he played 18 matches, scored six tries, averaged 103 metres and made 56 tackle breaks.

In an injury-disrupted 2024 season he has scored three tries in seven NSW Cup outings, averaged 144 metres and made 34 tackle breaks including an exceptional 13 against the Dragons. He was also included in the NRL side’s extended squad before earning his debut against the Bulldogs.