Tuaupiki inks two-year extension despite apparent NRL roadblock at Warriors

The livewire has played 25 top-grade games and 35 NSW Cup matches for the club since making his debut in 2023.

Taine Tuaupiki has signed an extension to stay in Auckland until the end of 2028, the Warriors revealed on Wednesday.

Previously off-contract at the end of this year, the 26-year-old is coming off a career-high 14 NRL appearances in 2025.

Tuaupiki joined the Warriors on a train-and-trial deal ahead of the 2023 campaign and played five NRL games, three deputising for first-choice fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

The ball-playing livewire enjoyed a further six outings in the top flight in 2024, including unforgettably scoring the match-winning try and sideline conversion in the Magic Round upset of Penrith. He also finished the year with the No.1 on his back, with Nicoll-Klokstad in the centres.

Tuaupiki unexpectedly filled a gap on the wing - and did so with aplomb - following Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s thumb injury in the 2025 pre-season. He also lined up at fullback in the golden point win over Brisbane with CNK injured and in five matches during the second half of the season, with Nicoll-Klokstad shifting to centre for three of those.

But Nicoll-Klokstad returned to the custodian role for the latter rounds and the Warriors’ finals exit, while Tuaupiki instead starred in the NSW Cup side’s grand final and State Championship triumphs.

The 30-year-old Nicoll-Klokstad is signed with the Warriors until the end of 2027.