Tepai Moeroa
A formidable athlete who successfully switched codes from NRL star to professional rugby union, representing the Cook Islands in both sports.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Cook Islands international rugby league & union footballer·Birthday: October 2·Millennials
Biography
Tepai Moeroa carved out a notable career through pure physicality and adaptability. First emerging as a hard-hitting teenage forward for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL, his powerful runs and aggressive defense made him a mainstay. After over 150 NRL games, he made a bold mid-career pivot, switching to rugby union in 2022. He signed with the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby, aiming to translate his league skills to the 15-a-side game. This code-switch highlighted not just his athleticism but a desire for a new challenge. Throughout, he remained a committed representative player for the Cook Islands, pulling on the jersey in both rugby league and rugby union, embodying the modern Pacific Islander athlete whose talents transcend a single sport.
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.
Tepai 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 Tepai Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Tepai'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 games in the National Rugby League for the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm.
- Successfully transitioned to professional rugby union, signing with the NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby.
- Represented the Cook Islands at the international level in both rugby league and rugby union.
Did You Know?
He was a champion junior shot-putter and discus thrower in New South Wales.
He made his NRL debut for Parramatta at just 18 years of age.
He is of Cook Islands and New Zealand Maori descent.
He played his junior rugby league for the Maroubra Lions.
“I'm just trying to be physical, run hard and tackle hard.”
