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NRL star Solomone Kata tipped for code switch to union

Solomone Kata in action during training for the Warriors. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

He may have just switched clubs within rugby league, but NRL star Solomone Kata is expected to soon be playing rugby union.

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Earlier this week, the 24-year-old was granted an early release from his contract with the Warriors to join the Melbourne Storm until the end of the 2020 season.

However, sources close to the Warriors told RugbyPass that Kata, who has represented both New Zealand and Tonga in league, will be making the transition to union after signing a contract with an unnamed club.

While his destination in union remains to be seen, Kata’s sudden switch from Auckland to Melbourne could be an indication that the Rebels may have made a move for 93-match NRL veteran.

A centre in rugby league, Kata would likely feature as a midfielder or winger in union.

As it stands, Matt Toomua and Reece Hodge are the only midfield options signed on with the Rebels for next year, while outside backs Dane Haylett-Petty, Jack Maddocks and Semisi Tupou will all remain at AAMI Park in 2020.

Former Australian schoolboy and U20 representative Sione Tuipulotu is the only confirmed departure from the midfield, while the likes of Tom English, Billy Meakes, Campbell Magnay and fellow league convert Marika Koroibete are all yet to confirm their intentions for next season.

Two years prior to signing with the Warriors in 2013, Kata moved from Tonga to Sacred Heart College on a rugby scholarship, playing for the school’s 1st XV in the reputable Auckland 1A competition.

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After debuting in the NRL in March 2015, he scored 46 tries for the Warriors.

Internationally, Kata has played six tests for Tonga from between 2014 and 2019, scoring four tries and kicking seven goals, while in 2016, he played five times for the Kiwis, scoring one try against Australia during the Four Nations in England.

During his time in union as a youngster, he represented Tonga at U21 level.

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Easy_Duzz-it 21 minutes ago
Are the All Blacks doomed to a 70% flatline?

The world never caught up the All Blacks just went backwards . After 2015 they had a plan to build the team around 2 players . Sam Cane and Beauden Barrett , Cane was hailed as the next Mccaw and Barrett the next carter . Unfortunately Cane sustained too many injures and Barrett despite being a great ball runner didn't have a high enough conversion rate or the game management skills to control the team and the game . Then to make matters worst , the selections were so bad year after year the forward pack became shockingly weak .

New Zealand had so much talent wasted betwen 2016 - 2023 . Laumape , elliot dixon , ben tamefuna , pita gus , ben lam , vaea fifita and so many other in form players that never got a look or the time to develop into great All Blacks .


Then you have the dual playmaker system that never worked , but they kept using it . why ? cause some men cant admit when they're wrong . thats the All Blacks between 2016-2023 . wrong coaches with the wrong vision , going in the wrong direction . now it appears the world caught up . but like I said the world never caught up . then you add the obvious flawed referee calls that happen to go against us more often then for us now . the worst of which that never gets called is when the opposition use rush defence but have players offside . this has been going for years , but who cares ? .


anyway its almost 10 and i need to get some shut eye .

Go the might All Blacks !!!!

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