Demitric Vaimauga is one of the New Zealand Warriors’ emerging forwards. Born in Auckland, he has developed from an Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior into an NRL regular. Vaimauga was born on March 15, 2004, and is now 22 years old.
The Warriors list him as a prop, although he has also played in the second row. His NRL journey began in 2023 after several years within the Warriors’ development system.
However, his story involves much more than rugby league. Vaimauga changed his surname to honour his mother, Ange, who played a major role in raising him. He has also embraced fatherhood and often celebrates his son publicly.
Demitric Vaimauga profile check
Full name: Demitric Vaimauga
Former surname: Sifakula
Date of birth: March 15, 2004
Age: 22
Birthplace Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 183cm
Weight: 104kg
Position: Prop
Partner: Ronise Teraitua
Mother: Ange Vaimauga
Early life and age
Vaimauga was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He attended De La Salle College in Māngere East. During his school years, he played both rugby league and rugby union. He represented the De La Salle First XV while developing his rugby league career. His junior rugby league club was the Ōtāhuhu Leopards.
The Warriors first signed him when he was just 15 years old. That early investment eventually opened the door to professional rugby league. His pathway accelerated during the Warriors’ time in Australia.
In 2022, Vaimauga was based in Redcliffe with the Warriors. He trained alongside the NRL squad while also playing for the Dolphins. He featured in the Queensland under-20 competition and finished the season strongly.
Vaimauga appeared in the Dolphins’ final six matches and scored two tries during that period. One of those tries came during the side’s grand final defeat. He also averaged 105 metres and made 28 tackle breaks.
That experience proved important before his eventual NRL breakthrough.
Professional career
Vaimauga entered the Warriors’ professional pathway unusually young. The club had already identified his potential before he reached first grade.
His first NRL appearance eventually came on April 30, 2023. The Warriors faced the Sydney Roosters at Go Media Stadium, and Vaimauga came off the bench during the 14-0 defeat, becoming the Warriors’ player number 280.
Unfortunately, his debut season was interrupted by injury as he suffered a knee injury that eventually included an ACL setback.
Consequently, his opportunities were limited during his first NRL campaign. However, he continued to develop in the NSW Cup.
He later returned strongly after undergoing knee surgery. The Warriors confirmed that he made eight NSW Cup appearances in 2024. He then returned to the NRL side for the final four matches that season.
Warriors contract and development
In December 2024, the Warriors secured Vaimauga until the end of 2028. The deal represented a major show of faith from the Auckland club. Warriors general manager Andrew McFadden highlighted his development and long-term potential.
Coach Andrew Webster also praised his energy and aggression. The Warriors described him as an important part of their future. Vaimauga subsequently became a more regular part of the Warriors squad.
His 2025 season brought a significant increase in NRL appearances. He also earned his first opportunity at the international level.
Tonga’s international career
Vaimauga represents Tonga in international rugby league. He made his Tonga debut during the 2025 Pacific Championships. Tonga selected him alongside several other emerging NRL forwards.
He played against Samoa and New Zealand during the tournament and scored his first international try against New Zealand on November 2, 2025.
That international opportunity added another important chapter to his career. It also reflected his growing standing within the NRL.
By 2026, Vaimauga had become a regular part of the Warriors’ forward rotation. He then recorded Warriors statistics showing 22 appearances during the 2026 regular season.
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He scored one try and made 426 tackles during those appearances, and also recorded 1,662 running metres and 49 tackle breaks.
Demitric Vaimauga’s family and ethnicity
Family remains an important part of Vaimauga’s identity. His mother is Ange Vaimauga. Vaimauga changed his surname to Vaimauga to honour her. He has explained that Ange raised him and strongly influenced his upbringing.
That decision gives his surname a personal meaning beyond rugby. His father has not been publicly identified in reliable sources.
Vaimauga has previously spoken about the importance of representing his family. He wrote that his decisions were about taking the next step and representing them.
His family background also reflects several Pacific cultures, as he is of Samoan, Tongan and Niuean heritage. His family connection is therefore closely tied to his identity as a Pacific rugby league player.
Who is Demitric Vaimauga’s partner?
Demitric Vaimauga is in a relationship with Ronise Teraitua. Ronise has remained an important presence during his rugby league journey. She attends his games and supports him from the sidelines.
Their relationship has also featured in Vaimauga’s personal life away from football. For a young professional athlete, that support can form an important part of life around the NRL.
Vaimauga is also a father to a son, whom he regards as his greatest gift from God. The Warriors forward has publicly expressed his affection for his child.
He wrote: “God’s Greatest Gift 🩵 . I love you, my son, always you”
Fatherhood has therefore become an important part of Vaimauga’s life beyond rugby. The Warriors previously confirmed that he became a father in 2024.
Salary and net worth
Vaimauga’s exact Warriors salary has not been publicly disclosed; his contract with the Warriors runs until the end of the 2028 season.
His rise from an Auckland junior to a contracted NRL forward has been rapid. He is now entering an important stage of his professional development.
At only 22, Vaimauga already has NRL and international experience. His journey from the Ōtāhuhu Leopards junior team to the Tonga international team shows the progress he has made.
Meanwhile, his commitment to his mother and young family adds another dimension to his story. For Vaimauga, the next chapter will involve building on that foundation.