Fiji Bati rising talent Kitione Kautoga is set to join the Parramatta Eels for the upcoming season under a development contract. The NRL club confirmed his signing over the weekend, stating that he will be included in the Top 30 squad.
Parramatta Eels’ general manager of football, Mark O’Neill, expressed enthusiasm about Kautoga’s potential, describing him as an exciting player who will significantly augment the team. “His inclusion in our preseason training will give him the chance to integrate into our systems and build relationships with his teammates. We believe that with the support and direction of our coaching staff, he will continue to grow and excel,” O’Neill commented.
Kautoga recently received an early release from his previous club, the Bulldogs. This season, he appeared in two first-grade matches for the Bulldogs, contributing 13 minutes off the bench against the Storm and 21 minutes in an interchange role against the Roosters. The 22-year-old made his NRL debut in August 2022 with the Wests Tigers and celebrated his international debut for the Fiji Bati last year during the Pacific Bowl Championship held in Papua New Guinea.
This signing represents a significant opportunity not only for Kautoga’s personal development but also for the Eels as they look to strengthen their roster with fresh talent. With a promising career ahead of him, Kautoga’s journey in the NRL will be an exciting one to follow.
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