Brad Takairangi
A versatile backline weapon from the Cook Islands, he carved out a long professional career in Australia's NRL while proudly representing his heritage on the international stage.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Cook Islands & New Zealand international rugby league player·Birthday: June 14·Millennials
Biography
Brad Takairangi's journey in rugby league is a story of resilience and versatility. Born in Sydney to Cook Islands heritage, he navigated the challenging pathways of the NRL, making his debut for the Sydney Roosters in 2010. His career was defined by adaptability, slotting into roles at centre, five-eighth, or second-row for clubs like the Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels, and the North Queensland Cowboys. While he never became a marquee superstar, his consistent performances and utility value made him a reliable asset for over a decade. His greatest pride, however, was worn on his chest: he was a stalwart for the Cook Islands national team, earning multiple caps and helping to elevate the profile of Pacific Island rugby league. His career stands as a testament to the professional journeyman who excels through flexibility and unwavering commitment to his roots.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Brad was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Brad Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Brad's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 150 NRL games across four different clubs from 2010 to 2021.
- Represented the Cook Islands in multiple Rugby League World Cup tournaments.
- Earned selection for the New Zealand Māori team, honoring his indigenous heritage.
- Played a key role for the Parramatta Eels during their 2017 NRL Grand Final season.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of fellow NRL player Isaac Liu.
Before his NRL debut, he played for the Wentworthville Magpies in the NSW Cup.
He was part of the historic Cook Islands team that defeated Tonga in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
“You play wherever the coach needs you, that's the job.”
