New Zealand Under-20 halfback Manu Paea has secured his first Super Rugby contract with Moana Pasifika. Paea has an incredibly diverse skillset with the ability to play any position in the backline. In addition to an accurate pass, he has a strong running game that was illustrated in his time at centre for Rotorua Boys High School.
The 20-year old began his schooling at Otahuhu College before moving south on a scholarship to rugby powerhouse, Rotorua Boys High School. From there, he was selected in to the 2019 New Zealand Secondary Schools side. Paea was also a standout in the shortened version of the game, named in the New Zealand Condors Secondary School Sevens team. At the conclusion of his schooling in the Bay of Plenty, Paea returned home and was inducted into the Auckland Rugby Academy program.
In his preferred position of halfback, he linked up with Eden Rugby Club and was instrumental to their backline throughout the club season. Paea helped the Premier team break a 99-year title drought to win the Gallaher Shield for the first time in their history. His form saw him selected into the 2021 New Zealand Under 2020 team. At the conclusion of the club season, Paea headed north to Whangarei and linked up the Northland Taniwha injury cover. Paea is an exciting young halfback and is sure to light up Mount Smart Stadium in February next year.
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