Euan Aitken
A hard-running and defensively robust NRL stalwart from Scotland, known for his bone-jarring tackles and consistent line-breaking ability.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Scotland international rugby league footballer·Birthday: June 16·Millennials
Biography
Euan Aitken carved his professional path in Australia's NRL, developing a reputation as a relentless and physical presence in the centres or back row. Hailing from Wollongong with Scottish heritage, his career began with the St. George Illawarra Dragons, where his no-nonsense running and defensive grit made him a mainstay. Aitken's game is defined by effort: he regularly tops tackle counts for his team and possesses a deceptively strong fend that allows him to gain post-contact metres. A move to the New Zealand Warriors and later the South Sydney Rabbitohs saw him adapt his role, often bringing experience and toughness to forward packs. For Scotland, he has been a cornerstone, representing the Bravehearts in World Cups and bringing NRL intensity to the international stage.
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.
Euan was born in 1995, 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 Euan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Euan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played over 150 first-grade NRL matches for clubs including St. George Illawarra Dragons, New Zealand Warriors, and South Sydney Rabbitohs.
- Represented Scotland in multiple Rugby League World Cup tournaments (2017, 2021).
- Won the Dragons' NYC (Under-20s) Player of the Year award in 2014.
- Scored over 40 tries in his NRL career, demonstrating his attacking threat.
- Named in the Scotland squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.
Did You Know?
He is of Scottish descent through his grandfather.
Aitken played junior rugby league for the Berkeley Eagles in Wollongong.
He was a talented junior athlete who also played rugby union and Australian rules football.
His NRL debut was for the St. George Illawarra Dragons in Round 1 of the 2015 season against the Melbourne Storm.
“My job is to run hard, tackle hard, and make my tackles stick.”
