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Code-switch Chiefs wing Alaimalo swaps Super Rugby for the NRL
By Ian Cameron
Chiefs winger Solomon Alaimalo is turning his back on Super Rugby Pacific to make the switch to Australia and the NRL.
NRL club Wests Tigers has officially welcomed Alaimalo, naming him in their top 30 squad for the upcoming 2024 season. The 27-year-old outside-back makes the bold leap from rugby union to league, following stints with the Waikato Chiefs in Super Rugby and Canterbury in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship.
Hailing from Auckland, Alaimalo touched down in Sydney on Sunday evening, wasting no time in joining his new team for his first training session on Monday.
Tigers coach Benji Marshall expressed the team's enthusiasm about the new addition, stating, "We're very excited to have Solomon join the club. He is a very explosive athlete with great speed, power, and agility. He will also add leadership and experience to our group, and he is a man of great character."
Alaimalo, who earned the title of Rookie of the Year during his breakthrough season with the Chiefs in 2017, brings a wealth of experience to the Wests Tigers. Having played his junior rugby for Canterbury, he is no stranger to the demands of professional sports.
Reflecting on his move to the NRL, Alaimalo spoke positively about his initial experiences with the Tigers, saying, "It's been a really nice welcome from everyone here at Wests Tigers from the moment I touched down last night. This place (the Zurich Centre) is amazing, and I can't wait to settle in and get stuck into pre-season training."
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Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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