Jazz Tevaga
A versatile and relentless forward whose engine and tackling prowess made him a cult hero for the New Zealand Warriors and Samoa.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Samoa international rugby league footballer·Birthday: September 4·Millennials
Biography
Jazz Tevaga's rugby league journey is a story of unwavering grit. Born in Auckland, he came through the Warriors' development system, embodying the club's heart-and-soul ethos. He wasn't the flashiest player on the field, but he became indispensable. Tevaga carved out a reputation as the ultimate team player, a battering ram off the bench who could play hooker or loose forward with equal, brutal effectiveness. His tackles rattled opponents, and his relentless work rate in the middle of the park often shifted momentum. This durability earned him a long tenure with the Warriors, where he amassed over 150 NRL appearances and became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense style. His commitment extended to the international stage, where he proudly represented his Samoan heritage, bringing the same physical intensity to the Pacific test arena.
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.
Jazz 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 Jazz Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Jazz'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 NRL games for the New Zealand Warriors, becoming a mainstay of their forward pack.
- Represented Samoa in international rugby league on multiple occasions.
- Known for a record-breaking performance making 63 tackles in a single NRL match.
Did You Know?
His full name is Jazz Iosefa Tevaga.
He is known for his distinctive long hair and headband worn during matches.
He played his junior rugby for the Point Chevalier Pirates.
“I'll do the tough carries and tackles so the playmakers can shine.”
