Emerging Mackay rugby league forward Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis can realise his
childhood dream of playing in the NRL after signing a two year contract with
the Wests Tigers.
The rampaging 18-year-old Mackay Magpies prop is part of Benji Marshall¹s
new breed of Tigers in 2024 after impressing the club¹s talent scouts with
powerhouse performances in the Queensland junior development system.
Wuatai-Davis, a teak tough front rower with a huge motor, was named in the
Balmain S.G Ball squad that will compete in this year¹s Under 19 NSWRL
junior representative series.
He joins the Tigers after a decade with his beloved junior Magpies that
achieved tremendous success in the Mackay Junior League competition.
The former Mackay State High School student starred in the Magpies’
premiership-winning Under 20s team last season that defeated rivals Brothers
26-18 in the Grand Final at BB Print Stadium.
Strong-running Miah was one of the best players on ground with the deserved
trophy win capping a fruitful Junior League career for the talented forward.
He joined the club after his family relocated to Mackay from Townsville and
figured prominently as a back rower in the Magpies’ champion teams that won
the Laurie Spina Under 11 Shield; Jason Hetherington Cup (Under 12s) and the
Under 13s Mackay premiership and Nate Myles Cup double under the tutelage of
leading junior coach Scott Thorpe.
A fierce competitor and punishing defender, Miah represented Capricornia
Schoolboys and was part of the Mackay Cutters Junior Pathways squads.
Prominent Magpies coach Scott Thorburn predicts a bright future for the
promising front rower.
“Miah is tough and resilient with the power and skills to go a long way,”
revealed Thorburn.
“He shows a great attitude to training with a strong work ethic and now has
a tremendous opportunity to impress the likes of Benji Marshall and his
Tigers’ coaching staff,” he added.
Caption: Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis. Photo credit: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League, Facebook
