Fiji Bati rising star Kitione Kautoga has officially signed a development contract with the Parramatta Eels for the upcoming season. The NRL club made the announcement over the weekend, stating that Kautoga will be part of their Top 30 squad.
Mark O’Neill, the general manager of football for the Parramatta Eels, expressed enthusiasm about Kautoga’s potential, calling him an exciting talent and a valuable addition to the team. O’Neill remarked, “His inclusion in our preseason training will provide him with an opportunity to integrate into our systems and build relationships with his teammates. We’re confident that under the guidance of our coaching staff, he will continue to grow and thrive.”
Kautoga was released early from his previous club, the Bulldogs, just last Friday. During this season, he made two appearances for the Bulldogs, contributing 13 minutes off the bench against the Storm and 21 minutes from the interchange against the Roosters. The 22-year-old made his NRL debut in August 2022 for the Wests Tigers and has also had the honor of representing Fiji Bati, making his international debut last year during the Pacific Bowl Championship in Papua New Guinea.
This signing marks a significant step in Kautoga’s career, as he joins a well-established club with a strong support system. With the guidance of experienced coaches and the opportunity to train with skilled teammates, there is great optimism for Kautoga’s development and contributions to the Eels in the future.
In summary, Kitione Kautoga’s transition to the Parramatta Eels opens the door to exciting opportunities as he aims to further establish himself in the NRL and make an impact on the field. The club’s confidence in his abilities may lead to a bright future in professional rugby for this promising player.
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