LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
EXCLUSIVE: Leka Halasima opens on his journey from tennis court to rugby league stardom
The frontrunner for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award, Leka Halasima, has captivated the rugby league scene this season. However, many are unaware that his athletic journey began on the tennis courts.
Having swapped his tennis racquet for a rugby league jersey, Halasima is already earning accolades from his Warriors teammates, who have described him as "freaky" and a "generational talent." They believe he has the potential to become the next Kiwi superstar and could be the pivotal player in determining the outcome of the 2025 NRL Finals series.
Often feeling amazed on the field, Halasima's epiphany about his capabilities as a regular NRL player came two years ago. "When I was 17 and playing Cup, I thought to myself that I can make my debut at 18," he shared.
Expressing his joy over being re-signed, he remarked, "I was shocked and happy (when they re-signed me) because I always wanted to play for the Warriors."
As part of a new generation of Warriors talent driving the team to the 2025 NRL Finals, the back-rower has made a significant impact. This season, he has recorded 12 tries, made six line-breaks, completed 606 tackles, and averaged 85 running metres per game across 24 appearances.
Halasima acknowledges that his achievements are largely due to the sacrifices made by his parents.