Herman Ese'ese
A hard-nosed forward who has carved out a professional career across the NRL and Super League, representing both his heritage nations on the international stage.
Born 1994 (age 32)·New Zealand and Samoa international rugby league footballer·Birthday: September 7·Millennials
Biography
Herman Ese'ese embodies the modern, mobile forward who can impact a game with both power and skill. Of Samoan descent but born in New Zealand, his professional journey began with the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL, where his aggressive running and offloading ability marked him as a prospect. His career path took him through several NRL clubs, including the Newcastle Knights and the Gold Coast Titans, where he developed into a consistent first-grade performer. Ese'ese's versatility, capable of playing prop or loose forward, made him a valuable asset. In 2024, he took his game to the English Super League, signing with historic club Hull FC. On the international stage, he has represented the nation of his birth, New Zealand, in 2017, and later switched allegiance to play for Samoa, showcasing the dual heritage that defines many Pacific Island players in the sport today.
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.
Herman was born in 1994, 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 Herman Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Herman's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos in 2016 and played over 150 first-grade games in the competition.
- Represented the New Zealand Kiwis in a test match against Tonga in 2017.
- Played for Samoa in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup held in England.
- Signed with the historic English Super League club Hull FC for the 2024 season.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of former NRL player and Samoan international Jamayne Isaako.
He played his junior rugby league for the Otahuhu Leopards in Auckland.
His first NRL try was scored for the Brisbane Broncos against the North Queensland Cowboys in 2016.
“I play for my family, my people, and the jersey on my back.”
