Manaia Cherrington
A dynamic Maori hooker whose powerful running game and cultural pride have fueled his journey through the NRL and New Zealand rugby league.
Born 1994 (age 32)·New Zealand rugby league footballer·Birthday: August 3·Millennials
Biography
Manaia Cherrington emerged from the rich rugby league heartland of New Zealand, a player whose physical gifts were evident from his teenage years in the Warriors' development system. As a hooker, he stood out not for a darts-from-dummy-half style but for a more explosive, ball-carrying approach, using his strength and footwork to bend defensive lines. His professional path has been one of perseverance, navigating the intense competition for the number nine jersey at several NRL clubs, including the Wests Tigers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. While securing a permanent starting spot proved elusive at the highest level, Cherrington remained a formidable presence in state competitions, often dominating for feeder teams. His career reflects the tough realities of professional sport, marked by both promising flashes of talent and the ongoing quest for consistent opportunity.
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.
Manaia 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 Manaia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Manaia'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 New Zealand Warriors in 2015 against the Melbourne Storm.
- Played for the Wests Tigers in the NRL across the 2016 and 2017 seasons.
- Represented the New Zealand Maori rugby league team, honoring his heritage on the field.
- Became a key leader and playmaker for the Wests Magpies in the NSW Cup competition.
Did You Know?
He is of Maori descent, with his Iwi (tribe) being Ngāpuhi.
His cousin, James Fisher-Harris, is a premiership-winning forward for the Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Kiwis captain.
He played his junior rugby league for the Bay Roskill Vikings in Auckland.
Cherrington has also spent time playing in the Queensland Cup competition.
“I use my size to bend the line, not just pass from it.”
