The Plus500 Brumbies are pleased to announce the signing of rugby league talent Solomone Kata on a three-year contract.
Kata, who was born in Neiafu, Tonga and moved to New Zealand in 2011, joins the Brumbies after scoring 45 tries in 93 matches for New Zealand Warriors, prior to a switch to the Melbourne Storm this year.
Kata initially moved to New Zealand on a rugby union scholarship at Sacred Heart College in Auckland and has represented Tonga at U20 international level.
Capped six times by Tonga and five by the Kiwis, Kata has crossed for five international tries in Rugby League and is a proven finisher who will add extra depth and strength to a talented Brumbies backline.
“I am very happy to have signed for the Brumbies and am looking forward to joining the club for the 2020 season and beyond,” Kata said of his signing.
“I have heard very good things about the Brumbies and how they have developed their players and can’t wait to get to Canberra to start my professional rugby union career.”
Kata has experience of the World stage when part of the Tonga side that competed in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, as well as scooping a Grand Final Man of the Match Award for Warriors Juniors with a hat-trick of tries in the 2014 Holden Cup Grand Final.
“What attracted us to Solomone is that he is a point of difference player with a physical profile to add to our squad. He is a very powerful and dynamic footballer who has the ability to stress any defensive line,” Brumbies Head coach Dan McKellar said.
“Beyond having a very successful career in the NRL, Solomone also has a strong Rugby Union background having grown up playing the game.
“This prior knowledge and experience will help him make the transition back to Rugby.
“At this stage we see him as a utility back and we will be open minded about the position he plays for the Brumbies in 2020.”
The best way to watch the Plus500 Brumbies in action in the 2020 Super Rugby season is to purchase a Membership.
Plus500 Brumbies memberships for the 2020 Super Rugby season are on sale now.
For membership enquiries contact membership@brumbies.com.au or 1300 228 278.
