Brad Takairangi /

Fun facts

Full Name: Brad Takairangi

Nickname: Taka or Taks

Date of Birth: 14/6/89

NRL Debut: 2010, Sydney Roosters v Wests Tigers

Clubs: Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels

Position/s: Centre, Five Eighth, Second Row

Height: 194cm

Representative Honours: NZ Kiwis, Cook Islands, NZ Maori All Stars

Career Highlight: NZ Kiwis debut 2017

Fast facts

Favourite book: Relentless by Tim Grover

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite holiday destination: Cook Islands or Bali

Least favourite food: anything with chilli

If I could be an animal, I would be a: Lion

Famous person I would like to meet: Chris Tucker or Usain Bolt

Biography

Brad Takairangi, fondly nicknamed Taka or Taks, grew up living with his Mum, two sisters and footy playing Dad. As a kid growing up in the Sutherland Shire of New South Wales, Australia, Brad could always be found outside – playing sport! He loved footy, touch, Oz Tag, cricket, tennis and basketball. As a young boy, Brad did not have a favourite sport, as long as he was in the fresh air, playing sport, he was happy. This love for sport helped Brad make friends and grow in confidence. This self-confidence allowed Brad to transform from a shy boy to a cheeky kid!

As Brad started Primary School, he regularly watched his dad play Rugby League on the weekends. Soon, he was inspired to play in the Under 8’s for Cronulla Caringbah, this is where his passion for Rugby League began.

Rugby League was a family affair, both Brad’s Mum and Dad watched him play every week! While they were very supportive, his Dad did give him the cold shoulder if he did not perform well.

As Brad played for the Cronulla Caringbah Juniors, he would imagine he was his favourite player, Steve Renouf from the Brisbane Broncos. He would watch the Broncos on television and try to re-enact their game plays on the weekend. It may have been the key to his earlier success, as Brad became better and better at Rugby League and was soon ready to make his NRL debut.

Brad’s phone rang during Round 2 of the 2010 season, this was the phone call he had been dreaming about. A player was injured at the Sydney Roosters and Brad was offered a position on the team – it was time for his NRL debut. The moment Brad was told, he was buzzing with excitement and immediately phoned his Dad to tell him, the whole family celebrated.

Brad had an amazing career as an NRL player, he played for Roosters, Titans and Eels. His career highlights were scoring his first NRL try in 2011, being captain of the Cook Islands team and his New Zealand Kiwis debut at the 2017 World Cup. Brad loved playing in the NRL he loved seeing all his hard work and sacrifices paying off and loved seeing his family so proud of his achievements.

Now, Brad is married and has three children- Kahlia who is 12, Hurricane 8 and Hayze who is five years old. Brad plays Rugby League part-time, coaches Rugby League and is honoured to be a NRL Ambassador, running Rugby League Clinics, NRL based programs, community visits and special guest appearances. In this new role Brad is excited to help youth achieve their dreams, as he was blessed to achieve his.

Brad’s goal as NRL ambassador is to inspire kids to chase their dreams, no matter how big or small they are!