Left to right: Toma Maiu’u (father), Le’Oxeayn Maiu’u (sister) Zyon Maiu’u and Paula Maiu’u (mother). Photo: RNZ Pacific / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
The Bulldogs have signed Warriors front-rower Zyon Maiu'u for the 2025 NRL season.
The 21-year-old New Zealand-born Samoan will be joining familiar faces, like his Samoan brother Stephen Chrichton, at Canterbury-Bankstown Stadium.
The Bulldogs announced the two-year deal on Monday.
In an exclusive interview with RNZ Pacific, he said making the move did not come lightly.
"It was a really hard decision," Maiu'u said.
It sort of happened only within the last week when I was approached. What mattered to me most was the support from my family, especially my parents."
Despite the move, he said the Warriors will always be home for him and was grateful to have played for them.
"My sister also plays in Australia for St George, so I'll get to see her a lot more. It's something I'd like to do.
"The biggest reason was to stand on my own two feet, my parents have done a lot for me. This is also my time to give back to them.
Zyon Maiu’u Photo: RNZ Pacific / Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai
The announcement comes as the Warriors kick off their preseason training this week.
In the warriors Maiu'u struggled for game time with a string of top rate second-rowers including Marat Niukore, Leka Halasima, Kurt Capewell, Jackson Ford, Jacob Laban, and Demitric Vaimauga that he had to compete with.
Zyon's father Toma said it was all last minute.
"I've always been a Warriors fan. I was upset that Zyon is leaving. He's been there since he was 14."
He said his son would not be where he is today without the Warriors.
"For his transition into Bulldogs, he has to be happy weather it be here or there. As parents, we have to support our children and that they are happy. I am proud of him."
His mother Paula said it was the right time.
"We addressed all the pros and cons," she said.
"Canterbury Bulldogs have always wanted Zyon since he was 15 and for a club to be supportive and follow his career and still stuck by him, I feel they have had a lot to offer," Paula said.
"They have a good rapport with younger players, Zyon needs that."
When Maiu'u debuted in the NRL, he showcased his new traditional tattoo on the field, which his father describes as a mark of a true Samoan warrior.
Samoans fans worldwide noticed the intricate patterns of the pe'a on his legs, the traditional tattoo signifying a rite of passage for young men.
He played his first NRL match with the Warriors against the Titans in April.
Zyon Maiu'u Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
He made 16 appearances last season scoring two tries, making four line breaks, and maintaining a 90 percent tackle efficiency rating.
Maiu'u grew up in West Auckland and attended Kelston Boys' High School, known for its strong tradition in rugby and sports.
His heritage includes connections to the Samoan villages of Nofoali'i and Falefa from his father's side, and Vaigaga and Lalomalava from his mother's side.
The front-rower signed a two-year contract at the end of 2023, lasting until the end of the 2026 NRL season.
When asked if he would play for Toa Samoa, he expressed his hope to do so, saying it is his next goal.
