Tauaa and Saumaki sign for 2026
23rd October 2025
The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the signings of two young stars for future seasons today.
Dean Tauaa
Tauaa, 17, was a standout performer in the QRL’s Mal Meninga Cup competition with the Wynnum-Manly Seagulls this year, progressing through to represent the Brisbane Broncos in the NRLQ under 20s competition in 2025. Described as a naturally-gifted, big, powerful, explosive, hard running centre, Tauaa was named in the team of the year in the Langer Trophy NRL Schoolboys competition in 2025, playing for Mabel Park State High School. In 2024, Tauaa represented the New Zealand Toa under 17s team against the New Zealand Tu under 17s team, squads that were selected from New Zealand players based in Australia that were part of the NZRL’s Taurehere program. Tauaa was joined by two future Rabbitohs teammates in these squads in middle forwards Maddax Fui and Phillip Lavakeiaho. Tauaa has signed with the Rabbitohs on an NSWRL contract in 2026 before progressing to an NRL supplementary contract in 2027 and an NRL Top 30 contract in 2028 and 2029.
"We are excited to be bringing Dean to our Club. Dean has really set the QRL and Schoolboys competitions alight in recent seasons, he has put himself in the Rugby League spotlight, and he was selected in the New Zealand under 17s squad last year as a reward for his performances. He troubled opposition defensive lines all season last year with his pace, acceleration, agility and his will to win. With a positive attitude, willingness to work hard and an opportunity to develop an NRL work ethic, we believe Dean will become a long-standing NRL player and represent at the higher levels of the game." Mr Ellison said.
Saumake Saumaki
Saumaki, 19, is a powerful runner and defender that played flanker and number eight in the first XV at Nelson College in New Zealand, a renowned rugby union academy. Saumaki played for the Canterbury Crusaders’ under 20s team in 2025, as well as representing the New Zealand under 18s Schoolboys in the same year. Saumaki will make the transition to Rugby League with the Rabbitohs having signed an NSWRL contract for the next two years.
"We are excited to be bringing Saumaki to our Club." Mr Ellison said. "Saumaki has impressed us with not only his playing ability and his devastating running style, but with his willingness to put in the hard work to make a successful transition from rugby union to Rugby League. We believe he has what it takes to make that transition and we are very excited about working with him on his game with a view to playing in the NRL in South Sydney colours."
Dean Tauaa
Date of Birth - 28th January 2008
Place of Birth - Auckland, NZ
Height: 179cm
Weight: 98kg
Position - Centre
Junior Club - Logan Brothers
Previous Clubs - Sydney Roosters (2024-25) U17/U19/U21/NSWC
NRL Games - none
Representative Honours - New Zealand Toa U17s (2024)
Awards - Langer Trophy Team of the Year (2025)
Saumaki Saumaki
Date of Birth - 13th January 2006
Place of Birth - Nukualofa, Tonga
Height: 182cm
Weight: 105kg
Position - Second Row
Junior Club - Huia rugby club
NRL Games - none
Representative Honours - NZ RU U18s (2024)
- Christchurch NZ RU U20s (2025)
Awards - Langer Trophy Team of the Year (2025)
Ref - SSFC [Viewed 5 Aug 2025] / FN-1