The St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW team have confirmed two of their development players for the upcoming season.In the process, they have revealed that Jessica Patea and Trinity Tauaneai will sign developmental contracts with the team for the 2024 campaign.
Trinity is a gifted player who can play on the rim and in the middle thanks to his tenacity and intelligence. Coach Jamie Soward stated, “She is a lovely person who fits into the culture of what we are building at the Dragons.”
“Jess is a phenomenal talent who has gained recognition following her under-18 New Zealand Player of the Year victory. She has a special skill and the drive to be the greatest. She can play anywhere among the outside backs.For fans unfamiliar with the duo, the two players grew up together in Lower Hutt, Wellington and would go on to play for the same junior team, Wainuiomata Lions.
Trinity Tauaneai, a 17-year-old forward who plays for the Canterbury Bulldogs in the Lisa Fiaola Cup, is the younger sister of Alexis Tauaneai.
Tauaneai remarked, “It’s pretty exciting, especially to be doing it with Jess and Lex.”
Jessica Patea is joining Tauaneai on a developmental deal. Patea, a talented athlete who can play numerous positions, has been steadily establishing herself with the Bulldogs Tarsha Gale Cup team.
“I’m incredibly happy and honored to be able to sign with the Dragons and collaborate with the coaching staff and some of my friends from back home,” Patea remarked. “It feels really like not real.”
