Brody Tamarua was expected to retire from rugby league in his early 20s, shaken by a high tackle that caused him to have a seizure on the field in an Auckland club match.

Tamarua suffered a brain bleed, was told he couldn’t play again for at least a year and perhaps never again.
That threatened to end a career that included a stint playing halfback for the New Zealand Warriors Under 20s, showcasing Tamarua’s skills and vision with the ball.

Two years later and Tamarua is back on the footy field.

This time he’s in Brisbane, stands 190cm and weighs 109kg and is playing in the front row for Hostplus Cup premiers Norths Devils.

He’s moved to Brisbane with partner Paris Pickering, who scored two tries in the Devils’ victory in the opening BMD Premiership round last weekend.

This weekend, Pickering is in Rockhampton for the Devils’ BMD Premiership clash with the Capras.

Tamarua is in Townsville for the most awaited Hostplus Cup match of the season. The Devils and Blackhawks – both with 10-1 win-loss records and three wins clear of third place – meet on Saturday night.

“I came back midway through last year and didn’t really know what to expect,” Tamarua said.
“I was supposed to retire but I was feeling better so I got scans. I was cleared through the scans so I came back to play and it went well.

“It was just good to be back playing again.”

Tamarua then got in touch with Norths coach Rohan Smith, who had tried to lure the 25-year-old to Brisbane for the Devils’ 2021 premiership season.

Smith offered Tamarua a place in the Devils squad and he fought his way in for a debut in the Round 9 clash with PNG Hunters.

Tamarua has played every game since, performing well in a forward pack that has been blessed by his presence following minor injuries.

“I’ve been really enjoying it here playing with these guys and learning plenty under Ro,” Tamarua said.

“I’ve just been trying to get more minutes under my belt as the weeks have gone on.”

Tamarua played rugby league and rugby union growing up in Kaitaia on New Zealand’s north island.

Union games were played on Saturdays. League games were on Sundays.

Warriors scouts took notice of his skills and signed him to a contract as an 18-year-old.

Tamarua’s four-year-old twins Sailor and Kiwa have joined in the group of children who make the Devils’ clubhouse a young and energetic environment.

“It’s been good fun playing here. It’s a good environment for players,” Tamarua said.

Photo by Alan Drinnen