Auckland-born utilty Brooke Talataina received her first Kiwi Ferns call-up at the end of 2024 after starring for Sydney Roosters at age-group level and becoming a Wests Tigers NRLW regular, firstly at halfback then in the second-row.
Talataina was the Roosters’ Tarsha Gale Cup vice-captain in 2023 and a tryscorer in their grand final victory over the Bulldogs. She was subsequently selected in the NSW City and NSW Under-19s teams.
Snapped up by the fledgling Tigers for their first NRLW campaign, the 19-year-old played the last three rounds of 2023 in the No.7 jersey but transitioned to the pack the following season, coming off the bench for the opening three games and starting in the second-row in the last six.
Talataina scored a try and averaged almost 30 tackles and 85 metres a game in 2024 before being named in New Zealand’s Pacific Championships squad. She was chosen to debut off the bench in the 36-0 win over Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby.
