Former BMD Wynnum Manly Seagulls centre Junior Pauga will make his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers this afternoon.
The 2019 Intrust Super Cup Grand Finalist signed a trial and train deal with the Tigers earlier in the year and it has been extended for the rest of the 2021 season after impressing coach Michael Maguire.
Pauga had been in blistering form for the Gulls this season, averaging 143m and over 5 tackle breaks per game, as well as crossing for four tries in as many games.
Pauga left Gulls fans with fond memories in his final match after crossing for a double in the ‘Return to Kougari’ Round 4 victory against Redcliffe Dolphins.
Seagulls Head Coach Adam Brideson is proud of Pauga reaching the top level.
“Junior has worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and he deserves his NRL debut,” said Brideson.
“In his three years at Wynnum Manly, Junior was always doing the extra work to improve his game and he has developed so much in that time.
“We are all proud of him and wish him all the best this afternoon.”