REMEMBER the name, Saifiti Junior Saifiti, as the 17-year-old Ipswich product prepares to head south linking up with the St George Illawarra Dragons to start his three-year contract.
The deal will see the powerful young winger with the Red V through until the end of 2027 after a season that saw him and his “brothers” go deep in the Mal Meninga Cup as part of a talented Ipswich Jets side.
Throughout the season he showed his scoring ability, crossing for 11 tries and combined with points scored off his boot, he registered 134 points.
At schoolboy level, Saifiti and his Ipswich State High were undefeated throughout the Langer Trophy regular season.
Ipswich State High School rugby league head coach, Josh Bretherton said Saifiti was one of a quality, talented crop of debutants set for the NRL in 2025.
“NRL is a big step so it’s hard to predict but definitely some very exciting players to watch their journey over the next couple of years in NRL systems,” Bretherton said.
“Kanaan Magele, Xzavier Timoteo, Junior Saifiti included.
“There are quite a number of boys relocating for opportunities – we are proud to have played a role in their journey.”
The contract and Saifiti’s progression is driven by natural talent and, as he told Local Ipswich News earlier in the year, a lot of hard work
Having played fullback and centre in the past, he is relatively new to the 13-man game.
He decided to give rugby league a shot two years ago after having played union for most of his life.
Nicknamed Saiju, he will play in the Jersey Flegg Cup team, and becomes the latest player from Ipswich State to sign with the club following in the footsteps of Brandon Tikinau, Loko Pasifiki Tonga, and Tyler Peckham-Harris.
Incredibly humble but hungry like a lion, he will need to be patient, with the Dragons’ depth in the winger position rather impressive for the upcoming season.
Starting wingers Matthew Feagai and Tyrell Sloan strengthened their roles in the past season, in front of Sione Finau and Christian, who are both off contract at the end of the 2025 season.
Winger and cult fan favourite Mikaele Ravalawa is contracted until the end of 2026, but only played 12 of 24 games in the 2024 season.
If Saifiti can get off to a strong start in Wollongong, he could possibly be lining up in the NRL sooner rather than later.
