Warriors fullback Taine Tuaupiki signs NRL contract extension to end of 2029
The Warriors have secured the signature of their first-choice fullback for another season.
Taine Tuaupiki has signed a second NRL contract extension in nine months, extending his time with the New Zealand club to the end of the 2029 season.
The 27-year-old locked in a one-year deal in February and has earned another 12-month term, ensuring he remains with the club for a seventh season since his 2023 debut.
“Taine has come off a terrific season and proven yet again what an asset he is for the club,” said Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He’s been a great success story after initially joining us on a train and trial deal four years ago.”
After playing 25 games over his first three seasons, Tuaupiki almost doubled his career tally by appearing in 22 of the Warriors’ 26 matches this year. It leaves him just three short of his 50-game milestone.
“Having Taine here for another three years is hugely exciting for us,” said coach Andrew Webster.
“He never stops competing and earned the right this year to play at NRL level consistently for the first time; his game came on so much as a result.
“We have the greatest admiration for him not only as a quality player but also as a wonderful example of someone who is always team-first.”
It comes two weeks after the Warriors re-signed another key spine member, with Wayde Egan staying at the club until the end of the 2028 season.
Tuaupiki strung together a series of outstanding performances across the season.
The fullback topped both metres made (3798) and average metres (172) for the Warriors, exceeding 200 metres nine times.
Tuaupiki ranked eighth among NRL players for most tackle breaks with 124, including 16 against the Knights in the Eden Park finals fixture and 10 in two other games.
Tuaupiki finished with 17 line breaks, scored seven tries and kicked 31 goals (84% success rate) for 90 points.
An individual highlight was his effort in running down Manly Warringah speedster Jason Saab, which was voted the Dally M tackle of the year.