24 Facts About Paul Whatuira

Paul Whatuira is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who last played for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL in 2011.

Paul Whatuira followed the Canberra Raiders as a child and idolised Mal Meninga.

Paul Whatuira left Wellington at 17 to join the Auckland Warriors.

Paul Whatuira made his first grade debut for Auckland Warriors against Wests Tigers in the Leichhardt Oval on 14 February 2000, in Round 2.

Paul Whatuira played in four other first grade games for the Warriors that season, before leaving the club at the end of the year.

Paul Whatuira spent 2001 at the Melbourne Storm, playing in six first grade games.

Paul Whatuira joined the Penrith Panthers in 2002 and became a first grade regular.

Paul Whatuira played left centre in the Panthers side that won the 2003 NRL grand final.

Paul Whatuira joined the Wests Tigers in 2005 and played at centre in the Tigers' 2005 NRL Grand Final victory over the North Queensland Cowboys, gaining his second premiership ring.

Paul Whatuira had a forgettable 2006, he was sin-binned in the Tigers' loss to the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville just before half-time with Matt Sing scoring in his absence.

Paul Whatuira played in the Giants 2009 Challenge Cup Final appearance, where they lost to the Warrington Wolves.

On 21 December 2010, Paul Whatuira signed a one-year deal with the Parramatta Eels for the 2011 season.

Paul Whatuira is expected to fill the void left in the backline by departing senior players of Eric Grothe Jr and Timana Tahu.

Eels CEO Paul Osborne stated that "Paul Whatuira is a proved international performer who brings class and experience to our backline".

However, Paul Whatuira retired after just appearing in one game for the Eels.

Paul Whatuira was selected in the 19-man squad for the one-off New Zealand vs Australia Centenary test in Wellington, New Zealand on 14 October 2007.

Paul Whatuira is eligible for the Cook Islands and was named in their train on squad for the 2000 World Cup.

On 13 October 2009, Paul Whatuira was arrested and underwent a psychiatric assessment after he allegedly assaulted two men.

Paul Whatuira was not charged over the incident as under section two of the British Crimes Act, he is exempt from potential prosecution as he was deemed "mentally ill".

Paul Whatuira beat Spencer in a charity Fight For Life boxing match.

Paul Whatuira came first on the initial bronco endurance test at 5:37, two seconds faster than Louis Anderson.

Paul Whatuira improved to 5:17 on the final test, while Luis improved to 5:32.

Paul Whatuira is a motivational speaker, founder and director of Inner Strength.

Paul Whatuira is engaged to Trina Tamati as of 2024, and had a daughter, Gabrielle from a previous marriage, while Trina had a daughter from a previous marriage, while they have a 3-year-old son.