Whyte Hot: Naufahu on JWH, Hairstyles, Eli Katoa, and Plans to Become Game’s Top Prop
Payne Haas is widely regarded as the best front-rower in rugby league. The man expected to succeed him as the top prop will play against him this Sunday.
Naufahu Whyte’s Journey
Roosters’ New Zealand enforcer Naufahu Whyte has lost count of how many times he’s been compared to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. He vividly recalls their first encounter at the end of 2020, when Whyte was only 18 and arrived on a train-and-trial deal from New Zealand.
“I remember feeling honoured and starstruck when looking around and seeing the likes of Jared, Isaac Liu and Sio Siua Taukeiaho,” Whyte said this week.
One day during training, Roosters coach Trent Robinson called him out to join a drill with the NRL side. Taking his first carry, Whyte was immediately crushed by a hit.
“I didn’t know who had hit me at the time, but I got smoked. To my surprise, I looked up and it was Jared. He just stood over me, gave me that look, and didn’t say a word. I was like, ‘did that bro just hit me?’ He hit me so hard. I’m pretty certain it was shoulder to mouth.”
Having trained in his age group, Whyte realized at that moment he was truly with the "big dogs." None of the players helped him up immediately, underlining the tough environment.
“Then we were doing recovery and Jared came up, shook my hand, and said, ‘nice to meet you, bro’.”
This experience marked a turning point for Whyte, who is on a clear path to becoming one of the game’s premier props.
Whyte’s resilience and respect for established players like Waerea-Hargreaves highlight his determination to reach the top level of rugby league.
Author's summary: Naufahu Whyte’s impressive rise in rugby league reflects his grit and respect for veterans, positioning him as a future leading prop in the sport.