Off-contract Warrington Wolves star confirms NRL ambitions with ‘childhood dream’ comment

One Warrington Wolves player has revealed that playing in the NRL one day would fulfil a ‘childhood dream’ casting doubt over their future.

Papua New Guinean centre Rodrick Tai has revealed to Australian outlet Zero Tackle that playing in the NRL represents a ‘childhood dream’, revealing how it was a driving focus throughout his development.

Tai signed for Warrington ahead of the 2024 Super League season and quickly usurped starter Stefan Ratchford to become one of the Wolves’ most reliable players during their strong 2024 campaign.

The Papua New Guinean international scored nine tries during his debut season at the Halliwell Jones Stadium and earned himself a one-year contract extension, taking his deal with the club through until the end of the 2025 season.

In an interview with Zero Tackle, Tai has confirmed that the chance to play in the NRL represents a childhood dream – something that could cause concern given his off-contract status.

“That’s a childhood dream, but right now I’m happy where I’m at and the club’s been good to me,” Tai explained when asked about the NRL.

“I’ve got a couple more years to go, so I’m content at the moment, but the NRL is certainly a dream.”

Off-contract Warrington Wolves star comments on NRL dream

The centre, who signed for Warrington Wolves from PNG Hunters in the Queensland Cup, spoke about the lack of a system in place as a child – making his journey to become professional even tougher.

He explained: “Growing up, there were no junior systems and stuff. We watch a lot of NRL and after a game of footy we go out and then play and tackle each other.”

With confirmation that PNG will have a team enter the NRL by at least the 2028 season, it could represent a huge boost for the 26-year-old’s dream to one day play in the competition.

“To live the dream is massive not only for me but for my family also,” he explained when speaking about representing his nation – for whom he played recently in the Pacific Championships.

“From where I come from my village, everyone there means a lot to them. It’s just overwhelming when you put on the jersey and walk out onto the field.

“It’s like a national sport and everyone loves rugby. They’ve always been there telling me just focus and stay away from other stuff when I was growing up and just play footy and study.

“My parents and my extended family they’ve all been supportive telling me to do this and just stay on track so they have been a big part of my journey.”

Tai is one of four Warrington Wolves centres whose contracts expire at the end of the season along with fellow starter Toby King, veteran Stefan Ratchford and Connor Wrench.