Rising stars William Latu and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta have made a bold statement about their intentions for the 2027 NRL season, sending a clear message to clubs, fans, and league insiders alike.
The promising young talents, both considered among the most exciting prospects in their age group, have indicated their commitment to taking their careers to the next level, with eyes firmly set on first-grade NRL contracts by 2027. While the duo has yet to officially sign long-term deals, their recent performances and public remarks suggest they’re positioning themselves for major breakthroughs.
“We know what we want, and we’re working for it every day,” Latu said during a junior representative event over the weekend. “2027 isn’t that far away — we’re focused on what we need to do now to be ready.”
Funa-Iuta echoed his teammate’s sentiment, adding, “This is our time to prove we belong in the top level. We’ve had the right people backing us, and we’re going to make the most of it.”
While both players are still eligible for junior competition, they’ve been training with senior development squads and attracting interest from multiple NRL clubs. Their potential has drawn comparisons to current NRL stars who made early breakthroughs in their careers.
Talent scouts and coaches have praised Latu’s explosive athleticism and versatility in the back row, while Funa-Iuta has turned heads with his power running and game awareness at lock forward.
As 2027 approaches, the rugby league community will be keeping a close eye on the pair, with many tipping them as the next big names to emerge from the junior ranks. Whether they stay with their current pathways or sign elsewhere remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: William Latu and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta are coming, and they’re not hiding their ambitions.