Viliami Vailea


Viliami Vailea is a Tongan professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League.

Background

Before turning to rugby league, Vailea was a prominent rugby union player at Aorere College.

Playing career

2021

In round 20 of the 2021 NRL season, Vailea made his debut for the New [Zealand Warriors|Warriors] against the Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium in a 18–16 win.

2022

He made a total of ten appearances for the New Zealand Warriors in the 2022 NRL season as they finished 15th on the table.

2023

Vailea signed a two-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys.

2024

In round 9 of the 2024 NRL season, Vailea made his debut for the North Queensland Cowboys against the Dolphins (NRL) at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in a 26-28 loss.
He scored his first North Queensland Cowboys try in round 11 of the 2024 NRL season in round 11 in a 22-28 win against the South Sydney Rabbitohs during Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium.

2025

On 4 June, the Cowboys announced that Vailea and Zac Laybutt had re-signed with the club until the end of 2027.