A promising hooker is set to make a fresh start in his NRL career after leaving the Gold Coast Titans. Vaka Sikahele, who spent the past two seasons with the Titans on a train-and-trial contract, has secured a new opportunity with the Melbourne Storm for the upcoming 2025 season.
Sikahele, who previously represented the Burleigh Bears in the Queensland Cup, will now join the Storm on a similar train-and-trial arrangement. Additionally, he will move from the Tweed Seagulls to the Brisbane Tigers, the Storm’s feeder team in the QLD Cup. This marks a new chapter for the 23-year-old, who has shown potential in the state league and is eager to continue his development with a top NRL club.
In the 2024 Queensland Cup season, Sikahele made 18 appearances, impressing with his defensive work. He completed 448 tackles with an excellent 90.9% tackle efficiency rate. He also contributed to his team’s attacking efforts, providing one try assist and two line-break assists. These performances have helped him catch the eye of Melbourne’s coaching staff, who are excited to see how he can further develop within their system.
As a teenager, Sikahele’s talent was undeniable. He was selected for the prestigious New Zealand Schoolboys team and earned a spot on the SAS College Rugby League Team of the Year. His potential was further recognized when he was included in the New Zealand Warriors development squad. His rise through the Auckland rugby league scene was rapid, and he was even compared to NRL star Damien Cook for his similar playing style.
However, his journey has been marred by a series of injuries. Sikahele’s 2023 season ended on a sour note when he sustained both MCL and PCL injuries in the QLD Cup Grand Final. Despite the setback, he remains positive, thankful for the support he received during his recovery. He credited his rehabilitation process to his close friend and Titans teammate Jayden Campbell, highlighting how working together through their recovery kept his spirits high. Sikahele’s resilience and determination to return to full fitness have been key as he looks forward to the 2025 season with renewed focus.