Brad Takairangi

Brad Takairangi (born 14 June 1989) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a centre or second-row forward for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Betfred Super League. He has played for the Cook Islands, New Zealand and New Zealand Māori at international level.

Takairangi previously played for the Parramatta Eels, Sydney Roosters and the Gold Coast Titans in the NRL.

Playing career​

2014​

On 30 October, he signed with the Parramatta Eels on a one-year deal.

2015​

On 26 January, Takairangi was named in Parramatta's Auckland Nines squad. In round 1, he made his club debut for Parramatta against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at centre, scoring a try in the 42–12 win at Parramatta Stadium. On 4 April, Takairangi re-signed with the Eels for a further 2 years. In round 22, against the Penrith Panthers, he suffered a season ending foot injury. Takairangi finished his first year with Parramatta with him playing in 17 matches and scoring 4 tries but mostly known for his combination and try assists to his wing partner Semi Radradra.

2016​

In round 22 against Manly, Takairangi played his 100th NRL career match in the Eels 10–9 win at Parramatta Stadium. Takairangi finished the season with him playing in 17 matches and scoring 4 tries, 12 penalties conceded and 18 errors. On 20 September 2017, Takairangi extended his contract with Parramatta until the end of the 2019 NRL season.

2017​

Takairangi played 23 games for Parramatta in the 2017 NRL season where the team finished fourth on the table. Then going on to debut for the NZ Kiwis in the 2017 RLWC.

2018​

In Round 2 of the 2018 NRL season, Takairangi was ruled out for 5 weeks with a fractured eye socket after being accidentally elbowed in the face by Manly player Joel Thompson. Takairangi returned to the Parramatta side in round 7 against Manly, Parramatta went on to win the match 44–10 which was their first of the season. Takairangi ended a difficult 2018 season with 20 appearances for the club as Parramatta finished last on the table and claimed its 14th wooden spoon.

2019​

Takairangi began the 2019 NRL season as one of the club's first choice centres. In round 4, Takairangi scored his first try of the season in a 24–12 victory over Cronulla-Sutherland. In Round 5, Takairangi played his 150th NRL game against Canberra which ended in a 19–0 defeat.

On 28 May, Takairangi was demoted to reserve grade by coach Brad Arthur after the club had suffered 3 disappointing losses in a row. The last of which was against bottom placed Penrith.

After spending a month in reserve grade, Takairangi was called back into the Parramatta team for their Round 15 clash against Canberra to cover injuries within the side. Takairangi played at centre as Parramatta defeated Canberra 22–16 at TIO Stadium in Darwin. In Round 17 against Wests Tigers, Takairangi scored a hat-trick as Parramatta won the match 30–18 at the new Western Sydney Stadium.

Takairangi played a total of 23 games for Parramatta in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 5th on the table and qualified for the finals. Takairangi played in both finals matches for the club as they reached the elimination final against Melbourne but were defeated 32–0 at AAMI Park which ended their season.

On 10 October, Takairangi was named in the Cook Islands squad for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s. On 4 November, Takairangi signed a one-year contract extension with Parramatta.

2020​

Takairangi scored his first try of the 2020 NRL season in round 20 against the Wests Tigers which Parramatta won 28-24. The victory saw Parramatta finish third and qualify for the finals inside the competitions top four.

Takairangi played 10 games for Parramatta in the 2020 NRL season including the club's elimination final loss to South Sydney. On 12 October, Takairangi was one of the 11 players released by Parramatta.

On the 16th of December it was announced that Takairangi had signed a two-year contract with Hull Kingston Rovers.

Wikipedia