Jessica Patea, a talented 19-year-old from Wainuiomata, has emerged as a standout player to watch in the coming years. On a development contract with the St. George Illawarra Dragons, Patea made waves in the Pacific Championships, where her four tries were pivotal in helping Samoa win the Pacific Bowl and qualify for the 2026 World Cup with thrilling victories over Tonga and Fiji.

Patea’s journey began in the Wellington Rugby League competition, where she excelled with the Wainuiomata Lioness and earned places in the Under-18 and Senior Women’s Orcas teams. In 2023, she added to her accomplishments by joining the Under-18 New Zealand Residents team, winning the 2023 Rugby League Player of the Year award at the College Sports Awards, and being named WRL Rookie of the Year.

Humble beginnings with the Wainuiomata Lioness in 2023

Her success continued as she contributed to Samoa’s win over Papua New Guinea in a promotion-relegation playoff, securing their place in the next Pacific Cup. Motivated by these achievements, Patea is aiming to further her career in the NRLW and hopes to don the Samoan jersey again soon.

As one of seven teenage stars on her team, Patea’s squad included promising players like Evah McEwan and Lindsay Tui, who were led by inspirational captain Annetta-Claudia Nu’uasala, a Golden Boot nominee, and Olympic Gold Medalist Evania Pelite. With Patea and her teammates driving Samoa’s impressive rise, the nation now celebrates its historic climb in the IRL World Rankings from 24th, marking a new era for Samoan rugby league.

Off the back of a successful Tarsha Gale Cup season with the Canterbury Bulldogs, Jess received a contract to join the St George Dragons NRLW squad, along with Trinity Tauaneai, another up and coming talent from Wainuiomata.

Patea is currently without a contract for the 2025 NRLW season, but is a sure target for any club off the back of her 2024 IRL performances.

Article added: Tuesday 19 November 2024