TAUFA FUNAKI

A proud East Aucklander, Taufa Funaki attended Sacred Heart College and was selected for the New Zealand Under 20s in 2018 alongside Zarn Sullivan.

He spent two years with Auckland before joining the Blues, where he first provided cover for Finlay Christie.

The 2024 championship season was his breakout: 13 appearances, an extended run in the starting jersey and five tries, including a double against the Western Force.

A quick halfback with an eye for a gap, Funaki is a fan favourite.