Jethro Rinakama
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Ratu Jethro Rinakama | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 18 April 2006 Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 192 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 92 kg (14 st 7 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Wing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 21 September 2025 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jethro Rinakama (born 18 April 2006) is a Fijian‑Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a winger for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League (NRL).
Background
[edit]Rinakama was born in Australia and played his junior football for the Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets.[2] A standout in the Bulldogs’ pathway system, he won the 2024 Jersey Flegg Cup premiership and represented both NSW City U18 and NSW U19 sides.[2]
He is the son of Adriu Rinakama, a former Fiji international rugby union utility back.[3]
Playing career
[edit]2025
[edit]Rinakama burst onto the senior scene in 2025 during the club’s preseason, scoring three tries across two matches.[4] On 20 February 2025, Rinakama signed a contract extension through 2027, committing to Canterbury's long‑term future.[5]
He made his first grade debut in round 19 of the 2025 NRL season, scoring a try in Canterbury's 12–8 win over the North Queensland Cowboys.[6][7] Rinakama scored the winning try once again the following week against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, crossing over in the 78th minute thanks to a cut-out ball from new recruit, Lachlan Galvin.
International career
[edit]He was named in the Fiji Bati squad for the 2024 Pacific Championships.[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Ratu Rinakama – Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Ratu Jethro Rinakama – 18th Man". 18th Man. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Exceptional work ethic pays off for Jethro Rinakama". Fiji Times. 10 October 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Rinakama re-signs with Bulldogs". Canterbury‑Bankstown Bulldogs. 20 February 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Bulldogs secure Fijian star Rinakama until 2027". Fiji Global News. 19 February 2025. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Local junior Lipoi Hopoi impresses on debut – similar report applies".
- ^ "19‑year‑old Jethro Rinakama scores on NRL debut". Fiji Village. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
- ^ "Vodafone Fiji Bati squad announced". FBC News. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2025.