Tuki Simpkins is headed back to rugby league’s big time after he finishes a season with the Norths Devils that has reinvigorated his love for the game.
Simpkins has signed with the Gold Coast Titans for the next two NRL seasons, becoming the 11th player in the last four seasons to move from a Devils contract to fulltime footy.
Simpkins has been there before – he played five NRL matches with the Wests Tigers in 2021 as a promising teenager.
When the Tigers didn’t re-sign him for 2024, Simpkins moved to Brisbane for the first time to play with the Devils in the hope of returning to a fulltime contract.
“It’s exciting to be going back to the NRL and I’m grateful for the opportunity but there was some sadness because I’ve just had such a good time playing at Norths,” Simpkins said.
“It’s been such an enjoyable season at a club that really does have a family atmosphere about it. I’ve just really got back to enjoying my footy this year.
“I’ve made some really good friendships and had a lot of fun winning games.”
Simpkins has been a powerhouse for Norths this season and a key part of a forward pack that has the Devils one step away from the club’s third grand final in four seasons.
Simpkins, 22, will feature in Sunday’s home preliminary final against PNG Hunters, with the winner to move into the grand final against the victor in Saturday’s showdown between Northern Pride and Redcliffe in Cairns.
Simpkins had not played in a senior finals match until the Devils ran away from Redcliffe in their qualifying final at Bishop Park 10 days ago.
That was Simpkins’ 18th match for Norths this season, proving his reputation as a workhorse forward on both sides of the ball.
It’s another step in an eventful journey for a New Zealand boy who grew up dreaming of playing for the All Blacks.
Simpkins was in the sights of the Chiefs – his local Super Rugby team – before an invitation to a New Zealand Under 16 rugby league trial changed his life.
Simpkins had not played a serious rugby league match but he was selected for a tournament against Pacific Island teams. Scouts from the North Queensland Cowboys watched the tournament and signed Simpkins immediately.
He headed for the heat of Townsville only for the Cowboys to agree to a player swap that sent Simpkins to the Tigers and another new city.
“I played under (coach) Michael Maguire at the Tigers and it was an awesome experience,” Simpkins said.
“He really got the best out of me and helped me to believe in myself.”
Simpkins made his NRL debut at Suncorp Stadium against a Broncos team featuring Tesi Niu at fullback.
Niu and Simpkins will be together on Sunday in a Devils team wary of the skills of the Hunters.
While the Devils had last weekend to rest, the Hunters were impressive on the Sunshine Coast, surging home to end the Falcons’ season in their semi-final.
Simpkins recalls the Devils’ last meeting with the Hunters when the visitors scored a stunning try on the siren to win the game.
“That was the first time I had played against PNG and they were physical and had a lot of energy,” Simpkins said.
“They’ll be really tough to beat on Sunday and it’s a game we’re all looking forward to playing.”
Photo by Alan Drinnen
