Iafeta Paleaaesina

Iafeta Palea'aesina

Personal information
Full name	Iafeta Iakopo Palea'aesina
Nickname	Feka
Born	10 February 1982 (1982-02-10) Auckland, New Zealand
Height	185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight	123 kg (19 st 5 lb)
Playing information
Position	Prop
Club
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
2001–2005	NZ Warriors	83	8	0	0	32
2006–2010	Wigan Warriors	145	21	0	0	84
2011–	Salford City Reds	24	3	0	0	12
	Total	252	32	0	0	128
Representative
Years	Team	Pld	T	G	FG	P
2005–2006	New Zealand	3	2	0	0	0
As of 04 October, 2009
Source: Rugby League Project

Iafeta Iakopo Palea'aesina (born 10 February 1982, Auckland, New Zealand), is a rugby league footballer of Samoan heritage) currently playing for the Salford City Reds of Super League. He plays as a prop.

Educated at Penrose High School (now One Tree Hill College) in Auckland, Iafeta Palea'aesina started playing rugby league at the age of 9 with New Zealand club Otahuhu Leopards.

He made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut with the New Zealand Warriors against Northern Eagles in June 2001, and went on to become one of the clubs most effective performers. Before his NRL debut, he had previously played for Papatoetoe in the Auckland competition, and Hibiscus Coast Raiders in the Bartercard Cup.

In June 2005 he signed a three-year deal to play for Wigan, starting in 2006. Recently arrived Wigan coach Ian Millward commented: "This is a great signing for us. He will add size and pace to our pack for next year and he is only 23 years of age." Palea'aesina said: "It's a great thrill to be joining Wigan and my good friend Jerry Seu Seu. I had several offers but Wigan is still the biggest name down here and it will be a thrill to play for them."

Palea'aesina played for the Junior Kiwis in 2001, and the Kiwis in 2005.

Iafeta Palea'aesina impressed on his league debut for the Wigan Warriors scoring a try in the opening 2006's Super League XI match against Catalans Dragons. Palea'aesina also scored again in Wigan's 36–20 win over the Huddersfield Giants on the 24 February 2006.

He was one of the best players for Wigan in the 2006 Super League season despite damaging his calf muscle in a game against the Warrington Wolves. His return from injury was against Huddersfield Giants on 22 April 2006 which Wigan won 46–14. Iafeta Palea'aesina has played a key role in Wigans 2007 squad making a noticeable impact to Wigans performances.

On the 4 October 2007 the RLIF gave permission for Palea'aesina to represent Samoa at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup rather than New Zealand who he had previously represented in international matches. He qualified to play for Samoa due to his Samoan heritage.

Career highlights

• Junior Club: Papatoetoe Panthers
• First Grade Debut: Round 15, Warriors v Northern Eagles at Ericsson Stadium, 1 June 2001
• Career Stats: 83 career games to date scoring 8 tries

External links

• Iafeta Paleaaesina Official Player Profile
• Iafeta Paleaaesina NRL Player Profile
• Warriors Prop Opts For Samoa