Cook Islander Rua Ngatikaura has joined NRL club West Tigers’ 30-man for 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Cook Islands Rugby League is excited by the prospect of the newly signed West Tigers player Rua Ngatikaura joining the national team to the World Cup later in the year.

Wests Tigers last week confirmed that Ngatikaura has signed a contract to join their 30-man roster for season’s 2023 and 2024.

The 21-year-old hooker captained Wests Tigers’ Jersey Flegg Cup side in 2021 and was subsequently named Player of the Year.

Cook Islands Rugby League president Charles Carlson said: “This is great news and been waiting for the confirmation.”

“Coach Tony Iro met him and his parents at the World Cup Nines in 2019 but he was only a young 16/17-year-old kid then. He captained their junior side last year so there’s been good raps about him in his progress up the grades.

“He played in the warm up games for the Tigers this year obviously the coach is impressed with him to be given a contract and be part of the Tigers squad.

“We always struggled to find a top specialist in this (hooker) position so this is good news for the squad as we prepare for the World Cup.”

Following his first full pre-season with the Wests Tigers, the young dummy half said he was delighted to be rewarded with a place in the top squad.

“It’s great to get a place in the thirty having come through the lower grades.”

“It’s a big step up and training is just so intense. But I do love the professionalism.”

Ngatikaura had a taste of top-flight footy in the pre-season trials, crossing for a try which was overturned against Manly.

His efforts sparked plenty of interest among Wests Tigers fans but he says the attention is not something he thinks too much about, “I’m glad I made a good impression, but I don’t really buy in too much to that kind of stuff. I just want to focus on footy, and improve every day.”

Coach Michael Maguire expects Ngatikaura to make the most of his opportunity.

“He’s obviously a talented player. Now it’s about Rua committing to what’s required to play at the highest level in the game.”

Wests Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe congratulated Ngatikaura on his new deal.

“It’s so pleasing to see yet another player come through our lower grades and be added to our top squad.

“On behalf of all at Wests Tigers, well done.”