Bay Roskill Vikings junior Naufahu Whyte earned a spot in the Kiwis’ 2023 Pacific Championships squad aged just 21 and after only 12 NRL appearances for Sydney Roosters.
The imposing back-rower was formerly a midfield back for Kelston Boys’ 1st XV, by which stage he was already on the Roosters’ books. He represented New Zealand Residents 16s and 18s in 2018 and ’19, respectively, before making the permanent move to Sydney.
The 19-year-old made three interchange appearances for the Roosters in 2021 as well as cementing a place in then-feeder club North Sydney Bears’ NSW Cup in 2021-22.
Whyte was regularly called up for the injury- and suspension hit Roosters in 2023, making two starts at lock among nine top-grade outings. He was also one of the Roosters’ NSW Cup team’s best players, averaging over 200 metres and 28 tackles in the second-tier competition.
The tyro was not called upon by the Kiwis for their three Pacific Championships Test matches – Whyte was 18th man for each game – but had clearly been tagged as a long-term prospect for the national side.
Whyte cemented a place in the powerhouse Roosters’ 17 in 2024, playing 23 games and commanding an interchange spot throughout the finals as well as making seven starting appearances during the regular season.
Taking his Pacific Championships opportunity with both hands, Whyte was promoted to the Kiwis’ starting pack on debut against Australia in Christchurch and was one of their best afield, racking up 15 runs for 147 metres and 29 tackles without a miss. He reverted to the bench for the clash with Tonga scored a maiden Test try against Papua New Guinea in Sydney after starting at lock.
