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Junior Paulo (rugby league, born 1993)

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Not to be confused with Junior Paulo (rugby league, born 1983).

Junior Paulo
Personal information
Full nameJunior Paulo
Born (1993-11-20) 20 November 1993 (age 31)
Auckland, New Zealand
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight125 kg (19 st 10 lb)
Playing information
PositionProp
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2013–16 Parramatta Eels 53 6 0 0 24
2016–18 Canberra Raiders 55 2 0 0 8
2019– Parramatta Eels 131 9 0 0 36
Total 239 17 0 0 68
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2016–23 Samoa 17 3 0 0 12
2020–23 New South Wales 11 0 0 0 0
Source: [1]
As of 4 July 2024

Junior Paulo (born 20 November 1993) is a Samoan international rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL).

He previously played for the Canberra Raiders and Parramatta in the NRL. Paulo has also represented New South Wales in the State of Origin series.

Background

[edit]

Paulo was born in Auckland, New Zealand. He is of Samoan descent, with family links to Safotu.[2]

He played his junior football for the Ashcroft Stallions and the Cabramatta Two Blues, and attended renowned rugby league school Ashcroft High School before being signed by the Parramatta Eels.[3] Paulo played for the Eels NYC team in 2012 and 2013.[4] In 2011, Paulo played for the Australian Schoolboys.[5] On 20 April 2013, Paulo played for the New South Wales U20's team off the interchange bench in the 36–12 win over Queensland at Penrith Stadium.[6]

Playing career

[edit]

2013

[edit]
Paulo playing for the NSW under-20s team in 2013

In Round 10 of the 2013 NRL season, Paulo made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels against the St. George Illawarra Dragons off the interchange bench in the Eels 32–12 loss at WIN Stadium.[7] On 5 July 2013, Paulo extended his contract with the Parramatta club for a further three-years until the end of the 2016 season.[8] In round 22 against the Wests Tigers, Paulo scored his first NRL career try in the Eels 26–22 win at Parramatta Stadium.[9] Paulo finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 11 matches and scoring a try for the Parramatta Eels in the 2013 NRL season.

2014

[edit]

In May 2014, Paulo was selected for the Samoa national rugby league team to play against Fiji in the 2014 Pacific Rugby League International but was replaced by Carlos Tuimavave.[10]

Paulo playing for Wentworthville in the NSW Cup in 2014

Paulo finished off the 2014 NRL season with him playing in 16 matches and scoring a try for the Parramatta Eels.

On 8 September 2014, Paulo was named in the Samoa train-on squad for the 2014 Four Nations,[11] but later didn't make the final 24-man squad.

2015

[edit]

On 31 January and 1 February, Paulo played for Parramatta in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines.[12]

In round 1 against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, he received a nine-week suspension for his high tackle on Sea Eagles hooker Matt Ballin in the Eels' 42–12 win at Parramatta Stadium.[13] Paulo made his return to the Eels team in round 11 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs in Parramatta's 14–12 loss at ANZ Stadium.[14][15] He finished off the 2015 season having played in 15 matches and scoring two tries for Parramatta.[16]

On 29 September, he was involved in a road rage incident with a 28-year-old man on the M4 Western Motorway, Paulo was accused of tailgating the other driver before punching him in the face and driving away from the scene after the pair pulled over after both of their vehicles collided with each other.[17] Paulo was later charged with common assault, recklessly damaging property and menacing driving.[18] Paulo will plead not guilty to the charges in court in October 2016.[19]

2016

[edit]

In February 2016, Paulo played for Parramatta in their 2016 NRL Auckland Nines winning tournament.[20]

On 14 March 2016, Paulo signed a two-year contract with the Canberra Raiders starting in 2017.[21][22]

On 7 May 2016, Paulo made his international debut for Samoa against Tonga in the 2016 Polynesian Cup.[23]

May 2016 was a turbulent month for Paulo, first he made a cameo for a third-grade Rugby Union team, Oatley, saying that his brother-in-law who is the coach of team wanted him to fill in the team and Paulo did as a favour, signing under a fake name and worn headgear in an attempt to hope that nobody would recognise him.[24][25] After the bizarre Rugby cameo, Paulo alongside Corey Norman, and Panthers hooker James Segeyaro were issued with warnings from NSW police for consorting with convicted criminals.[26] On 29 May 2016, he was released effectively immediately from his Parramatta contract to join Canberra early.[27]

In Round 13, Paulo made his club debut for Canberra against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, where he started at prop in the 30–18 win at Canberra Stadium.[28][29] Paulo would go on to play in 13 matches for the Raiders for the rest of the 2016 NRL season. On 26 September 2016, Paulo was named in the 2016 Australia Kangaroos train-on squad for the 2016 Four Nations but later didn't make the final 24-man squad.[30]

On 8 October 2016, Paulo played for Samoa against Fiji, starting at prop in the 20–18 loss in Apia, Samoa.[31]

Paulo leading the Siva Tau in 2022

On 8 December 2016, Paulo participated in the Ladbrokes Star of the Ring Charity Fight Night at the Hordern Pavilion, where he went up against Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks captain Paul Gallen but lost in a unanimous decision.[32][33]

2017

[edit]

On 7 February 2017, Paulo was suspended by the NRL integrity unit following his common assault and reckless driving convictions he received in 2016.

He was banned for round 1 in Canberra's season opener against the North Queensland Cowboys, participating in the Auckland Nines tournament and being selected in the World All Stars team.[34]

On 6 May 2017, Paulo played for Samoa in the test against England, starting at prop in the 30–10 loss at Campbelltown Stadium.[35]

In round 25 against the Newcastle Knights, Paulo scored his first club try for Canberra in the 46–28 win at Canberra Stadium.[36] Paulo finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 23 matches and scoring one try for the Canberra side. On 11 September 2017, Paulo was awarded with the Mal Meninga Medal for being the Raiders Player of the Year.[37]

On 6 October 2017, Paulo was selected in the 24-man squad for Samoa in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[38][39] In Samoa's third pool match against Scotland, Paulo scored his first international try for Samoa in the 14–14 all draw at Barlow Park in Cairns.[40] Paulo played in all 4 matches, starting at prop and scored 1 try in Samoa's disappointing campaign.[41][42]

2018

[edit]

On 19 April 2018, Paulo signed a four-year deal to rejoin Parramatta at the end of the season on a deal worth $2.8 million.[43]

2019

[edit]

Paulo marked his return to Parramatta in round 2 against arch-rivals Canterbury-Bankstown which ended in a 36–16 victory.[44]

Paulo leading Samoa out for the warm up at the 2021 RLWC in 2022

Paulo made a total of 24 appearances for Parramatta in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 5th on the table and qualified for the finals. Paulo played in both of the club's finals matches as they were eliminated in the second week by Melbourne losing 32–0 at AAMI Park.[45]

2020

[edit]

In round 18 of the 2020 NRL season, Paulo played his 150th first grade game which ended in a 20-2 defeat against Penrith at Penrith Park.[46]

After a good season for Parramatta, Paulo was selected by New South Wales for the 2020 State of Origin series. Paulo played all three games as New South Wales suffered a shock 2-1 series defeat against Queensland.[47]

2021

[edit]

In round 1 of the 2021 NRL season, Paulo scored the winning try in Parramatta's 24-16 victory over Brisbane.[48]

On 30 May, he was selected for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series.[49]

On 21 June, he was selected as one of the two starting props in the 2021 State of Origin series.[50]

In Parramatta’s semifinal against Penrith, with Penrith leading 8–6 with less than one minute on the clock, Paulo dropped the ball just out in front of Penrith’s try line effectively ending Parramatta’s season.[51][52] On 17 December, Paulo signed a new four-year deal with Parramatta to remain at the club until the end of the 2026 season.[53]

2022

[edit]

In round 5 of the 2022 NRL season, Paulo was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Gold Coast's Alexander Brimson during Parramatta's 26-20 victory. Paulo was subsequently banned for one match.[54]

On 29 May, Paulo was selected by New South Wales to play in game one of the 2022 State of Origin series. Paulo played in all three matches of the series which saw Queensland win 2-1.[55]

Paulo played 26 games for Parramatta in the 2022 season including the clubs Grand Final loss to Penrith.[56]

In October, Paulo was named in the Samoa squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[57]

Paulo played every game for Samoa at the tournament including the final where they were beaten 30-10 by Australia. Paulo became the first player in history to be on the losing side in the State of Origin deciding match, the NRL Grand final and the Rugby League World Cup final during a calendar year.[58]

In November, he was named in the 2021 RLWC Team of the Tournament.[59]

2023

[edit]

In round 4 of the 2023 NRL season, Paulo was sent to the sin bin during golden point extra-time against Penrith due to a dangerous high tackle. Parramatta would win the match 17-16. Paulo was later suspended for two matches over the incident.[60] On 22 May, Paulo was selected by New South Wales for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series. Paulo played in the first two games of the series but was not selected for game three.[61] Paulo played a total of 20 games for Parramatta in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 10th and missed the finals.[62]

2024

[edit]

Following Parramatta's loss against South Sydney in round 18 of the 2024 NRL season, it was announced that Paulo would be ruled out for at least eight weeks with a lisfranc injury.[63] Paulo played a total of 16 games for Parramatta in 2024 as the club finished 15th on the table.[64]

Statistics

[edit]
Year Club Games Tries Pts
2013 Parramatta Eels 11 1 4
2014 16 1 4
2015 15 2 8
2016 Canberra Raiders 24 2 8
2017 23 1 4
2018 19 1 4
2019 Parramatta Eels 24 1 4
2020 22 0 0
2021 23 2 8
2022 26 1 4
2023 21 3 12
2024 16 2 8
Totals 239 17 68

*denotes season competing

Professional Boxing Record

[edit]
0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws[65]
Res. Record Opponent Type Rd., Time Date Location Notes
Loss 0–1 Australia Paul Gallen UD 4 2016-12-6 Australia Hordern Pavilion, Sydney Professional debut.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Junior Paulo (PE) – Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  2. ^ Sarafina Sanerivi (4 October 2016). "For family and love of country". Samoa Observer. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Junior Paulo: I can't wait to play... at Suncorp". NRL.com. 19 December 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Junior Paulo (1993)". Archived from the original on 17 September 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2016.
  5. ^ "ASSRL Schoolboys rugby league news, Australian Secondary School Rugby League, Australian Schoolboys". Ourfootyteam.com. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  6. ^ "New South Wales Defeat Queensland 36–12 in Under 20s Origin". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Josh Duggan Impresses in St George Illawarra Win over Parramatta". Foxsports.com.au. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  8. ^ "Eels announce re-signing of youth | NRL". Zero Tackle. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  9. ^ "VIDEO All tries 2622 Eels V Tigers NRL 2013 Sydney | Sport". 3 News. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  10. ^ "NRL big guns for Samoa, Fiji teams". NRL.com. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  11. ^ "Samoa train on squad announced | NRL". Zero Tackle. 8 September 2014. Archived from the original on 13 July 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  12. ^ "EELS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD". Rugby League Week. 26 January 2015. Archived from the original on 7 July 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  13. ^ "Parramatta's Junior Paulo Banned for Nine Weeks Over Dangerous Throw". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  14. ^ "Early Mail for Round 11: Junior Paulo to Return from Suspension for Parramatta". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  15. ^ "Rabbitohs sneak past Eels". NRL.com. 22 May 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  16. ^ "Custom Match List". Rugby League Project. 13 November 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  17. ^ "Road rage on the M4". Parramatta Sun. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  18. ^ "Parramatta Eels Junior Paulo Alleged Road Rage Incident | Triple M NRL". Triplem.com.au. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  19. ^ "Raiders Recruit Junior Paulo Learning To Be A Force For Good In Canberra | Paul Kent". News.com.au. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  20. ^ "Eels name 2016 Nines squad". Rugby League Week. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 1 February 2016.
  21. ^ "Raiders confirm Paulo deal". Zero Tackle. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 14 March 2016.
  22. ^ "Raiders sign Parramatta Eels prop Junior Paulo". Zero Tackle. 3 March 2016. Retrieved 10 March 2016.
  23. ^ "Samoa too good for Tonga in fiery Pacific Test clash at Pirtek Stadium". Dailytelegraph.com.au. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  24. ^ "Juniors to pay for Paulo'srugby romp". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 14 May 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  25. ^ Proszenko, Adrian (10 May 2016). "Parramatta Eels front rower Junior Paulo in hot water after appearing for Oatley Rugby Club". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  26. ^ Ralston, Nick (25 May 2016). "Junior Paulo and James Segeyaro warned for 'consorting with criminals'". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  27. ^ "Eels release Junior Paulo". Zero Tackle. 29 May 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
  28. ^ Jon Tuxworth (2 June 2016). "NRL: Junior Paulo cleared to make Canberra Raiders debut". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  29. ^ "Home | Live Scores & Latest News". Fox Sports. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  30. ^ "Leilua added to Kangaroos squad". National Rugby League. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  31. ^ "Brilliant Bati comeback steals Pacific Test win". National Rugby League. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  32. ^ "Paul Gallen beats Junior Paulo video NRL fight night: Chris Sandow and Todd Carney draw, highlights". foxsports.com.au. 10 December 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  33. ^ "Gallen, Paulo bring back the biff". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 9 December 2016. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  34. ^ Helmers, Caden (7 February 2017). "Canberra Raiders prop Junior Paulo suspended from round one of the NRL season". Canberra Times. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  35. ^ "NRL stars deliver for Bennett's England". Dailytelegraph.com.au. 6 May 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  36. ^ "Dailytelegraph.com.au – Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories". myaccount.news.com.au. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  37. ^ Polkinghorne, David (12 September 2017). "Mal Meninga Medallist Junior Paulo star struck by Canberra Raiders legend Mal Meninga". Canberra Times. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  38. ^ Dutton, Chris (6 October 2017). "Canberra Raiders Josh Papalii, Joey Leilua and Junior Paulo to play for Samoa". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  39. ^ "Lafai, Winterstein into Samoa squad". National Rugby League. 6 October 2017. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  40. ^ "Dailytelegraph.com.au – Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories". myaccount.news.com.au. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  41. ^ "Dailytelegraph.com.au – Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories". myaccount.news.com.au. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  42. ^ "Rugby League World Cup 2017: Samoa coach Matt Parish calls Anthony Milford would not change disappointing campaign". www.news.com.au. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  43. ^ "Junior Paulo Canberra Raiders Parramatta Eels deal". foxsports.com.au. 19 April 2018. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
  44. ^ "Pay day as contract extension propels players to kick-start season". www.nrl.com. 31 March 2019.
  45. ^ "Melbourne Storm crush Parramatta 32–0 in their semi-final to set up prelim against the Roosters". ABC News. 21 September 2019.
  46. ^ "Parramatta Eels 'in deep trouble' after nightmare loss in western Sydney derby". www.news.com.au.
  47. ^ Howcroft, Jonathan (18 November 2020). "State of Origin 2020 game 3: Qld Maroons beat NSW Blues – as it happened". The Guardian.
  48. ^ "Brisbane Broncos' NRL losing streak continues as Parramatta Eels score comeback 24-16 win; Newcastle Knights beat Bulldogs". ABC News. 12 March 2021.
  49. ^ "NSW Origin team: Luai gets nod for Freddie's fresh-faced Blues". www.nrl.com. 30 May 2021.
  50. ^ "Paulo promoted to starting side for Origin II". New South Wales Rugby League. 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2021.
  51. ^ "Parramatta Eels defeat Newcastle Knights 28-20 in NRL elimination final". ABC News. 12 September 2021.
  52. ^ "Penrith Panthers handed NRL breach notice, fined $25,000 after incident in Parramatta semi-final". ABC News. 21 September 2021.
  53. ^ "Parramatta Eels finally catch a break as Junior Paulo re-signs". www.news.com.au.
  54. ^ "Parramatta v Gold Coast three big hits". www.foxsports.com.au. 9 April 2022.
  55. ^ "Wighton starts at centre as Blues confirm lineup for Game One". www.nrl.com.
  56. ^ "NRL Grand Final as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
  57. ^ Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021
  58. ^ "Australia 30-10 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
  59. ^ Samoan domination as unlikely halfback earns No.7 jersey: WC Team of the Tournament
  60. ^ "NRL Judiciary Round 4: Jack Wighton, Jeremiah Nanai and Junior Paulo banned". www.sportingnews.com.
  61. ^ "Graham ruled out for Blues, trio to debut as Fittler makes 'gamble'". www.nrl.com.
  62. ^ "NRL 2023: Parramatta Eels season review". www.sportingnews.com.
  63. ^ "Junior Paulo's season effectively over after scans confirm Parramatta prop's foot injury". www.abc.net.au.
  64. ^ "The Mole's end of season review: What went wrong at the Parramatta Eels?". www.nine.com.au.
  65. ^ "BoxRec: Junior Paulo". boxrec.com. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
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