Sam Tagataese /

Fun facts

Full Name: Sam Tagataese

Nickname: Taga

Date of Birth: 08/12/86

NRL Debut: 2007

Clubs: Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans, Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, Brisbane Broncos

Position/s: Prop, Second Row, Centre

Height: 194cm

Representative Honours: Toa Samoa

Career Highlight: 2016 Premiership with Cronulla Sharks

Fast facts

Favourite book: Macbeth

Favourite colour: Blue

Favourite holiday destination: Samoa

Least favourite food: Onion

If I could be an animal I would be: Orangutan

Famous person I would like to meet: The Rock

Biography

Sam was born in Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand. As the only boy amongst four sisters, Sam loved receiving attention, he was cheeky and charismatic as a child. He was full of energy and liked to be active. He used to spend his free time riding bikes, hanging with friends, playing touch football and swimming in the creek. When indoors Sam loved playing card games and watching movies.

Sam’s dad loved Rugby Union, therefore Sam was enrolled in Rugby at age 5. He played Rugby until High School when Sam was introduced to Rugby League through his friends, from that moment Sam switched codes to Rugby League and he has never looked back!

Sam understands the importance of family support. Throughout his childhood he lost loved ones and sustained many serious injuries. His family, and his community, always supported him through these low times as well as celebrating his successes.

Sam grew up supporting the New Zealand Warriors, dreaming of one day starring in a NRL team. Little did Sam know that his day would come in 2007 when his Melbourne Storm coach would deliver the good news that he would make his NRL debut. Sam called his partner first and then his family to celebrate his achievement. On Game Day, Sam was proud to look out into the crowd and see his partner, dad and sister cheering for him.

While Sam’s debut game has special memories, he is also proud of his 2016 Grand Final Premiership with the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and representing Tao Samoa. Representing his parents and ancestors will always be an extra special memory for Sam.

Now, Sam is proud to be the Wellbeing and Education Officer for the Redcliffe Dolphins as well as an NRL ambassador. Sam loves sharing his success story to inspire others.  He lives in Queensland with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

Sam’s goal as an ambassador is to grow the game and make positive changes within the community.