25 Facts About Epalahame Lauaki

Epalahame "Hame" Lauaki was born on 27 January 1984 and is a former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Bradford Bulls in the Championship.

Epalahame Lauaki is the brother of former All Black Sione Lauaki.

Epalahame Lauaki is the cousin of rugby league and union star Tevita Vaikona.

Epalahame Lauaki was signed by the New Zealand Warriors and made his first grade debut on 14 March 2004 against Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

On 23 February 2009 it was announced that Epalahame Lauaki had been released by the Warriors so he could sign a 3-year deal to play for Hull FC in the Super League.

Epalahame Lauaki made his Super League debut for Hull against Harlequins RL on 21 August 2009 and has since made himself a crowd favourite at the KC Stadium.

Epalahame Lauaki made 35 appearances for the club, scoring two tries, before being released in January 2014.

Epalahame Lauaki signed with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, but did not play a game and was released at the end of 2014.

Epalahame Lauaki did not feature in any of the pre-season friendlies.

Epalahame Lauaki featured in Round 3 then in Round 5 to Round 7.

Epalahame Lauaki played in Round 9 then in Round 11 to Round 18.

Epalahame Lauaki played in Qualifier 1 to Qualifier 7.

Epalahame Lauaki featured in the Challenge Cup in Round 4.

Epalahame Lauaki featured in the pre-season friendlies against Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers.

Epalahame Lauaki featured in Round 1 then in Round 16 to Round 18.

In 2006 Epalahame Lauaki was named in the New Zealand 'A' team that played against an Australian Invitational side.

In 2007 Epalahame Lauaki was then named in the New Zealand national rugby league team squad for the tour of Great Britain.

Epalahame Lauaki played in two tests for the Kiwis and played in the All Golds match.

Epalahame Lauaki then decided to switch his international allegiance to the nation of his birth, Tonga.

Epalahame Lauaki played in three games at the tournament as well as a warm up game against the New Zealand national rugby league team.

Epalahame Lauaki is the third eldest from a total of nine siblings.

Epalahame Lauaki married Renee from Hihifo, Tonga, whom he met in Auckland, New Zealand.

Epalahame Lauaki is good friends with fellow Hull FC and Tonga team mates Willie Manu and Sam Moa.

In 2023, Epalahame Lauaki participated in season 3 of Match Fit, where former rugby players return to play against the Australian counterparts.

Epalahame Lauaki joined in the first season that featured former rugby league stars.