๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐! ๐๐ฅ
In a moment that captured the spirit of determination and raw talent, Canberra Raiders sensation Isaiah Iongi has been crowned the Eric Grothe Snr NRL Rookie of the Year, edging out a host of high-profile young stars in one of the most competitive rookie races in recent memory.
The 21-year-old Samoan fullback has been a revelation for the Raiders in 2025, blending electrifying pace with fearless defence and a football IQ well beyond his years. While many tipped big names like David Armstrong, Kayal Iro, and Blake Taaffe to take home the honour, it was Iongiโs consistency, composure, and impact under pressure that won over the judges โ and the hearts of fans across the league.
When Iongi stepped onto the field in Round 3 this season, few expected the quiet young man from Apia to light up the competition the way he did. But week after week, he proved himself indispensable to the Raidersโ backline, racking up try-saving tackles, long-range breaks, and clutch performances in tight matches. By mid-season, commentators were already calling him โthe heartbeat of Canberraโs new generation.โ
NRL legend and award namesake Eric Grothe Snr personally praised Iongiโs season, calling his performances โa throwback to the fearless, instinctive footy of the old days โ mixed with the athleticism of the modern game.โ
> โHe plays with heart, humility, and hunger,โ Grothe said. โIsaiah reminds me of what makes rugby league great โ that raw desire to give everything for your club, your teammates, and your community.โ
Iongiโs rise hasnโt been easy. Growing up in Samoa before moving to Australia as a teenager, he juggled work, training, and studies while chasing his dream. His familyโs emotional reaction during the awards ceremony โ tears, cheers, and proud smiles โ reflected the deep meaning behind his journey. โThis is for my family back home,โ Iongi said during his acceptance speech. โTheyโve sacrificed everything so I could be here. To even play one NRL game was a dream. To win thisโฆ itโs beyond words.โ
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was full of praise for his young fullback, describing Iongi as โthe future of this club.โ
> โWhat you see on game day is just a glimpse of who he is,โ Stuart said. โHeโs humble, hardworking, and never takes a shortcut. Isaiah earned this award not just through talent, but through discipline and respect for the game.โ
Fans have already taken to social media, flooding platforms with messages of congratulations and excitement for what lies ahead. Many see Iongi as the new face of Canberraโs rebuild โ a symbol of hope and pride for the Green Machine faithful.
With this milestone under his belt, the sky is truly the limit for Isaiah Iongi. As he prepares for the 2026 season, one thing is clear โ the NRL has unearthed another superstar, and his name is now etched in history alongside some of the gameโs greatest rookies.
๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐. ๐๐
