The versatile Makayla Eli will be looking to showcase her skills this season with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles team in the Harvey Norman Women's NSW Premiership.
Makayla has started the season in the back-row but has been named at five-eighth for Sunday's clash with the Knights at 4 Pines Park in the NRL curtain raiser.
We caught up with Makayla to learn more about her.
Player Profile
Name: Makayla Eli
DOB: 17/09/2001
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Wherever coach needs me 🤣
Nickname: Kayla
What's your favorite rugby league memory growing up?
Otahuhu Hills. Laugh/cry with the team.
Who are your favourite rugby league players in NRL or NRLW?
DWZ (Dallin Watene-Zelezniak)
What does it mean to you to be part of the first Manly Harvey Norman’s Women’s team?
I’m extremely grateful to be a part of team that invests in the growth of women’s sport. Coming from home, where the pathways systems for women’s rugby league are not established the same, I want to make the most of my time here and pave the way for future young girls that will find themselves in the same position as myself one day.
Funniest team-mate?
Anna Tonu’u
What are your goals this season?
Make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Nail the one percenters and gain confidence in my new position.
Tell us about your family and any special achievements?
I grew up in South Auckland with my parents and two brothers. My Dad was born in Samoa (Tulaele-Vailoa, Lalomanu) but lived in and represented the Cook Islands in multiple sports where he met Mum, who is NZ Maori (Ngāti Tūwharetoa).
In 2020, I was able to make my debut for Fetu Samoa against the Kiwi Ferns and the following week, I made my debut for Manusina (Samoa Rugby Union) against Tonga. A very special memory.
Who is your hero?
Mum- she’s the GOAT
What's your favorite movie and why?
Good Will Hunting
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Sleeping, finding new music, reading
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Is there a middle of the day type of person?
Coach Keith Hanley says:
"Makalya has played representative rugby league for Auckland and NZ Maori. She is a big, strong physical girl with some quality around her with her ball playing. We are working on improving her running game and her capacity to do that. She certainly has the head with the footy and defends pretty well also."
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