Hull KR sign powerful prop Salesi Ataata ahead of 2027 Super League season

Hull KR have further strengthened their squad as powerful prop Salesi Ataata becomes the Robins’ third addition ahead of the 2027 Super League season.

The 23-year-old joins on a two-year deal from South Sydney Rabbitohs, bolstering Nathan Cayless’ middle options ahead of the new season.

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Ataata played his junior rugby league with Otahuhu Leopards before continuing his development in Australia with Cronulla Sharks.

The imposing front-rower progressed through the Sharks’ pathway and featured during the club’s NRL pre-season before joining South Sydney ahead of the 2025 campaign.

Ataata has continued to develop with the Rabbitohs, featuring regularly in the NSW Cup while also earning selection to South Sydney’s extended NRL bench.

Standing at 190cm and weighing 117kg, Ataata has built a reputation as a powerful ball-carrier through the middle with an aggressive approach in contact.

The prop has made 22 NSW Cup appearances during the 2026 season, averaging over 100 running metres per game while producing 38 tackle breaks and 31 offloads.

Ataata will add further size and power to Hull KR’s pack when he links up with Cayless’ squad ahead of the 2027 Super League season.

Speaking on joining the Robins, Ataata said: “I’m excited to represent a club with so much history like Hull KR.

“I’ve heard so much about the fans and how passionate they are, so I can’t wait to pull on the jersey and make the club and the fans proud.”

Hull KR Head Coach, Nathan Cayless added: “Salesi is a powerful 6'3" middle. He’s a former centre who’s transitioned into the front row, so he’s powerful, fast and bends the line every time he carries the ball.

“He moves very well defensively and that’s one of the key reasons I was attracted to him as a player.

“I’ve coached against Salesi on numerous occasions, and he’s someone who consistently pops up in our video previews as one of the opposition’s most dangerous players.”

Salesi Ataata arrives at Sewell Group Craven Park alongside fellow new additions Moala Graham-Taufa and Eddie Hampson, who were also announced this week.

Player Biography
Name: Salesi Ataata
Date of Birth: 7 February 2003
Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Prop Forward
Junior Club: Otahuhu Leopards
Height: 190cm
Weight: 117kg
Previous Clubs: Cronulla Sharks/Newtown Jets, South Sydney Rabbitohs
NSW Cup Appearances: 49
NSW Cup Tries: 4
NSW Cup Debut: Newtown Jets vs Canberra Raiders, Saturday 30 March 2024