Josh Aloiai
A relentless Samoan prop whose hard-nosed, aggressive play in the NRL became the engine room for the Manly Sea Eagles' forward pack.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Samoa international rugby league footballer·Birthday: November 11·Millennials
Biography
Josh Aloiai's path to the NRL was one of sheer will. Of Samoan heritage, he grew up in New Zealand before moving to Australia, where he initially pursued rugby union. A switch to league in his late teens set him on his true course. He debuted for the Wests Tigers in 2016, but it was his move to the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in 2021 where his game found its definitive form. Aloiai was not a flashy player; his value was in the grind. As a prop or lock, he specialized in the tough, unglamorous work: brutal hit-ups, punishing tackles, and creating momentum through pure physicality. He became a cornerstone of Manly's middle, playing with a passion that resonated with fans. His international career for Samoa, including the 2022 Rugby League World Cup final, capped a journey defined by resilience and the embrace of rugby league's most demanding arts.
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.
Josh 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 Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Josh'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 Wests Tigers and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
- Represented Samoa in the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, starting in the historic final against Australia.
- Won the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Players' Player award in 2022.
- Served as a vice-captain for the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles during the 2023 NRL season.
- Was named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year in 2015 while playing for the Wyong Roos.
Did You Know?
He played rugby union for the Australian Schoolboys team before switching to league.
He is a devout Christian and often speaks about his faith.
He studied a Bachelor of Business at university while playing in the NRL.
He has a large tattoo of a lion on his chest, symbolizing strength and his Samoan heritage.
He announced his retirement from the NRL in 2024 to pursue a career in ministry.
“I don't need to be the star; I need to be the engine in the middle.”
