New Wakefield Trinity signing Seth Nikotemo has spoken publicly for the first time since arriving in the UK this week.
Seth Nikotemo was signed by Trinity from Gold Coast Titans, after being named to the NRL side’s top 30 squad in 2024.
The 20-year-old back-rower has been a key member of the Ipswich Jets side in the reserve-grade Queensland Cup, making 14 appearances in 2024 and regularly completing 80-minute shifts in the pack.
With a three-year deal signed, it’s clearly a long-term vision with the New Zealand-born forward looking like a player with bags of potential. Head coach Daryl Powell described the forward as someone who was a ‘perfect fit’ with the club at the time of his signing.
Now, after landing in the UK for pre-season, he has spoken to club media.
Seth Nikotemo reacts to signing for Wakefield Trinity
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
Speaking after linking up with the team, Nikotemo said: “I’m really excited. I’m just waiting for pre-season to come around, it’s been about two, three months just waiting – but it’s good to finally be here.”
Asked about whether he needed convincing to join Wakefield Trinity, the player said: “I think it was a pretty easy decision.
“The first time I spoke to them I knew they were good people with a good club, very family-orientated – and that’s what me and my partner are about. After the first conversation, we were pretty confident that this was the right move.
“Obviously it was a big decision to come over but I think it was the right decision for me, my partner and I both talked about it with both of our parents, both of us are still living at home, but we think after a few conversations it was definitely the right move for us.”
After never playing first-grade rugby before, it’s a big move, and he said: “I was only playing in the Queensland Cup over there, so it’s a step up for me and yeah I’m really excited.
“Here and there I watch a little bit of [Super League]. It does look very physical, but I’m very excited about it.”
He added: “I want to make myself the player that people want to play with. You know, do the little one-percenters and just always have my teammates’ backs. I think that’s my number one.
“I’m pretty excited to get behind a few of the older boys, nibble off their areas a bit and pick their brains and learn a lot while I’m here.”
