Experienced Tonga International Joins Featherstone Rovers
Sitaleki Akauola, a seasoned rugby league player with extensive experience in both the Super League and NRL, has signed with Championship club Featherstone Rovers. The 32-year-old forward has spent the last two seasons playing in the second tier with Toulouse Olympique, making 30 appearances for the French club.
Akauola’s impressive career includes stints with Warrington, Salford Red Devils, and Rochdale Hornets, where he made over 120 appearances in the British game. Prior to that, he played for Wests Tigers and Penrith Panthers in the NRL. The Tonga international, who earned a single cap for his national team against Papua New Guinea in 2014, is the latest in a series of high-profile signings made by Featherstone ahead of the upcoming season.
“I’m very excited to link up with Featherstone next year,” Akauola said. “I’ve loved my time in France, but after speaking to Fordy and (discovering) his vision for the squad and club, it was something that really appealed to me.”
In 2019, Akauola was part of the Warrington team that won the Challenge Cup. Now, as he enters his 18th year as a professional rugby league player, he is eager to make an impact at Post Office Road.
Featherstone head coach, James Ford, is confident that Akauola’s addition will be a significant boost to the squad.
“To be able to add a forward of Sitaleki’s experience and quality to our ranks is huge for the club,” Ford stated. “Sita’s intent of carry and initial contact will be a huge weapon. He’s a quality impact player, and I’m confident he’ll be a massive addition to our squad.”
After finishing sixth in the Championship last season and falling in the first round of the playoffs, Featherstone will be looking to Akauola and their other new signings to help them achieve something special in 2025.
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