Whyte Hot: Naufahu on JWH, Hairstyles, Eli Katoa, and Plans to Become Game’s Top Prop
Payne Haas is considered the best front-rower in the game. The player expected to surpass him will face him this Sunday. Roosters and New Zealand enforcer Naufahu Whyte has lost count of how many times he’s been compared to Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and vividly recalls their first meeting.
Naufahu Whyte’s First Encounter with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
At the end of 2020, when COVID was still impacting society, 18-year-old Whyte arrived from New Zealand on a train-and-trial contract with the Roosters. One day, while watching team training, coach Trent Robinson invited him to join a drill.
“I remember feeling honoured and starstruck seeing Jared, Isaac Liu, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho,” Whyte said. “I then took my first carry and got absolutely pumped. I didn’t know who hit me, but I got smoked. To my surprise, I looked up and it was Jared. He just stood over me, gave me that look, and said nothing. I was like, ‘did that bro just hit me?’ He hit me so hard. I’m pretty certain it was shoulder to mouth.”
He added that while he was used to training with his age group and anticipating tackles, this moment made him realize he was now playing with the big dogs. None of the other players helped him up, but after recovery, Jared approached, shook his hand, and said:
“Nice to meet you, bro.”
Building Respect and Ambition
This first encounter symbolized Whyte’s transition into elite-level rugby league and fueled his ambition to become the game’s top prop, following in the footsteps of players like Haas and Waerea-Hargreaves.
Naufahu Whyte’s journey highlights his resilience and determination to compete hard at the highest level, starting from a humble trial to becoming a formidable forward recognized alongside legends.
Author’s summary: Naufahu Whyte’s first clash with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves marked his entry into elite rugby, inspiring him to rise as a top prop through resilience and respect for the game’s toughest players.