Name David Vaealiki | ||
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David Ioane Vaealiki (born 13 November 1980) is a rugby union player who most recently played for SC Albi. He has represented New Zealand in rugby league and previously played in the National Rugby League in Australia and in Super League in England. His main playing position is at centre.
Contents
- Early years and Parramatta
- Wigan Warriors career
- Manly
- French rugby union
- International career
- References
Early years and Parramatta
A product of New Zealand junior side Sydenham, David Vaealiki attended Linwood High School and became Canterbury's youngest ever representative when he made his début for the province aged just 17 years and 199 days in a match against the West Coast. He then signed for the Parramatta Eels and made his first grade début in 1999. During this time he taught Physical Education at Castle Hill High School, where the league team he coached had 0 wins. He went on to play for Parramatta at centre in their 2001 NRL Grand Final loss to the Newcastle Knights. Vaealiki scored the fastest hat-trick in the NRL versus Penrith 17 March 2002. In 2004, David's season was cut short by an Achilles tendon injury, he played only eight games.
Wigan Warriors career
He signed a 3-year contract with Wigan in July 2004. He joined the club for the 2005 Super League and his first appearance for Wigan on 30 January 2005 in a pre season friendly against London Broncos after starting the match from the bench. He made his first start for Wigan in their 15–4 win over Salford City Reds in the Super League his last game was the semi finals versus Leeds Rhinos in October 2007.
Manly
David Vaealiki was expected to join Harlequins RL when his Wigan contract expired at the end of 2007's Super League XII and it was not known if he was offered a new contract. In September 2007 he was linked with a move to French Rugby Union side Sporting Club Albigeois.
Instead Vaealiki joined the Manly Sea Eagles on a one-year deal and played two games for the club in early 2008.
French rugby union
Vaealiki was released by Manly after round 7 of the NRL to enable him to take up the offer of a two-year contract with Top 14 French rugby union club, SC Albi.
International career
Vaealiki earned international selection for the Junior Kiwis in 1998 and played for New Zealand between 2000 and 2003, including the World Cup in 2000.