Raymond Faitala-Mariner
A hard-hitting second-row forward, he embodies the modern Pacific rugby league journey, representing both Samoa and New Zealand with fierce pride.
Born 1993 (age 33)·NZ & Samoa international rugby league footballer·Birthday: July 26·Millennials
Biography
Raymond Faitala-Mariner's path through professional rugby league is one of rugged determination. Of Samoan heritage, he was developed in New Zealand's systems before making his NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors in 2014. His career found its footing with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, where he evolved into a defensive leader and a respected senior player, eventually captaining the side during a difficult period. His value lies in his work rate: a relentless tackler and a powerful ball-runner in the forwards. This dual identity is mirrored in his international career, where he first represented Samoa in 2017 before answering the call for New Zealand, earning Kiwis caps in 2019. His move to the St. George Illawarra Dragons marked a new chapter, bringing his experience and physical edge to another club navigating a rebuild.
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.
Raymond was born in 1993, 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 Raymond Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Raymond's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Captained the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs during the 2023 NRL season.
- Represented the New Zealand Kiwis in international test matches, including against Great Britain in 2019.
- Played for Toa Samoa in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
- Awarded the Bulldogs' 'Coach's Award' in 2020 for his dedication and professionalism.
Did You Know?
He is a devout Christian and often speaks about the role of his faith in his life and career.
Before his NRL debut, he played for the Warriors' NYC (Under-20s) team and the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup.
His cousin, Bunty Afoa, also plays in the NRL for the New Zealand Warriors.
“My job is to win the collision, to set a platform for the men beside me.”
