Phillip Lavakeiaho signs for 2026-28
4th Aug 2025
Phillip Lavakeiaho, 18, is a new recruit to the Rabbitohs from the Roosters, joining South Sydney from the 2026 season.
Lavakeiaho is a big prop forward originally from Auckland, New Zealand, who had the honour of captaining the New Zealand Tu under 17s squad against the New Zealand Toa under 17s team in 2024. These squads were selected from New Zealand players based in Australia that were part of the NZRL’s Taurehere program, that played each other on the Gold Coast late last year. Lavakeiaho has already played NSW Cup at just 18 years of age, and was a member of the Roosters’ SG Ball Cup premiership side this year. Lavakeiaho, a product of Matraville Sports High School in South Sydney territory, is playing in the Jersey Flegg Cup competition now that the SG Ball Cup competition has finished, and got a taste of senior football in the NSW Cup in June. Described as a strong attacker and an aggressive defender, Lavakeiaho joins the Rabbitohs on a NSWRL contract in 2026 before being elevated to an NRL Supplementary List contract in 2027 and an NRL top 30 contract in 2028.
Phillip Lavakeiaho Date of Birth - 31st May 2007 Place of Birth - Auckland, NZ Position - Prop Junior Club - Papatoetoe Panthers Previous Clubs - Sydney Roosters (2024-25) U17/U19/U21/NSWC NRL Games - none Representative Honours - New Zealand Tu U17s (2024) (c) Awards - NZRL National Secondary Schools - Emerging Player of the Tournament (2023)
Ref - SSFC [Viewed 5 Aug 2025] / FN-1