Viliami Vailea (born 17 November 2002) is a Tongan professional rugby league footballer who previously played as a for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League (NRL). He is currently signed with Hanazono Kintetsu Liners.
Background Before turning to rugby league, Vailea was a prominent rugby union player at Aorere College.
Playing career 2021 In round 20 of the 2021 NRL season, Vailea made his debut for the Warriors against the Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium in a 18–16 win.
2022 He made a total of ten appearances for the New Zealand Warriors in the 2022 NRL season as they finished 15th on the table.
2023 Vailea signed a two-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.
2024 In round 9 of the 2024 NRL season, Vailea made his debut for the North Queensland Cowboys against the Dolphins (NRL) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in a 26-28 loss.
He scored his first North Queensland Cowboys try in round 11 of the 2024 NRL season in round 11 in a 22-28 win against the South Sydney Rabbitohs during Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.
2025 On 4 June, the Cowboys announced that Vailea and Zac Laybutt had re-signed with the club until the end of 2027.
Statistics +YearTeamGamesTriesPts2021 New Zealand Warriors220221072820235142024 North Queensland Cowboys1828202514282026Totals491248
References
External links New Zealand Warriors profile