Sam Kasiano

{{short description|NZ & Samoa international rugby league footballer}}

{{Infobox rugby league biography

| name = Sam Kasiano

| fullname = Sam Kasiano

| image = Sam Kasiano.JPG

| imagesize = 290

| caption =

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1990|09|21|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand

| height = {{convert|1.95|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| weight = {{convert|126|kg|stlb|abbr=on|order=flip}}

| position = {{rlp|PR}}

| club1 = {{nowrap|Canterbury Bulldogs}}

|year1start = 2011

|year1end = 17

|appearances1 = 139

|tries1 = 15

|goals1 = 0

|fieldgoals1 = 0

|points1 = 60

|club2 = Melbourne Storm

|year2start = 2018

|year2end =

|appearances2 = 14

|tries2 = 1

|goals2 = 0

|fieldgoals2 = 0

|points2 = 4

|club3 = Catalans Dragons

|year3start = 2019

|year3end = 22

|appearances3 = 83

|tries3 = 13

|goals3 = 0

|fieldgoals3 = 0

|points3 = 52

| club4 = {{nowrap|Warrington Wolves}}

| year4start = 2023

| year4end =

| appearances4 = 26

| tries4 = 3

| goals4 = 0

| fieldgoals4 = 0

| points4 = 12

|teamA = New Zealand

|yearAstart = 2012

|yearAend = 13

|appearancesA = 6

|triesA = 0

|goalsA = 0

|fieldgoalsA = 0

|pointsA = 0

|teamB = Samoa

|yearBstart = 2015

|yearBend = 18

|appearancesB = 5

|triesB = 1

|goalsB = 0

|fieldgoalsB = 0

|pointsB = 4

| source = [https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/sam-kasiano/ loverugbyleague]{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/sam-kasiano/summary.html|title=Sam Kasiano - Career Stats & Summary|publisher=Rugby League Project|date=|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

| updated = 10 January 2024

}}

Sam Kasiano (born 21 September 1990) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|pr}} for the Souths Sharks in the Mackay & District Rugby League; he is player-coach. He is both a New Zealand and Samoan international.

Kasiano previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm in the NRL.

Background

Kasiano was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand. He is of Samoan descent.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/sam-kasiano-seeks-advice-from-mum-on-whether-to-play-for-queensland-or-new-zealand/story-fnbhlxi9-1226424840072|title=Sam Kasiano Seeks Advice from Mum on Whether to Play for Queensland or New Zealand|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/why-canterbury-bulldogs-prop-sam-kasiano-said-hed-feel-weird-playing-for-kangaroos/story-e6frexnr-1226486890894|title=Why Sam Kasiano Said He'd Felt Weird Playing for Kangaroos|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

Kasiano started playing rugby league at the age of eight for the Otahuhu Leopards but stopped once he started high school. However, in 2007 he played for the Mount Albert Grammar School's 1st XIII.{{cite web|url=http://www.mags.school.nz/Story?Action=View&Story_id=3630|title=Vs Waitakere College: June 6, 2007. : Mount Albert Grammar School|publisher=Mags.school.nz|date=2007-06-06|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

After moving to Brisbane as a teenager, Kasiano was educated at Wavell State High School where he played for the Aspley Devils under 18s before being picked up by the Norths Devils Colts for the 2009 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.bulldogs.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile-display&id=2087&name=Sam%20Kasiano&team=Bulldogs|title=Profile at bulldogs.com.au|access-date=7 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406051854/http://www.bulldogs.com.au/default.aspx?s=player-profile-display&id=2087&name=Sam%20Kasiano&team=Bulldogs|archive-date=6 April 2011}} He was then signed by the Bulldogs, and played for their Toyota Cup (Under-20s) team for the 2010 season, where he quickly became one of the competition standouts. His form saw him rewarded with a spot in the 2010 Junior Kiwis team.{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/4161258/Junior-Kiwis-train-on-squad-named|title=Junior Kiwis train-on squad named|publisher=Stuff.co.nz|date=2010-09-23|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

Playing career

=2011 - 2017: Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs=

In Round 1, Kasiano made his NRL debut for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs at {{rlp|pr}} against the Wests Tigers in the 24–14 win at ANZ Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-beat-wests-tigers-in-nrl-round-one/story-e6frexnr-1226021368238|title=Bulldogs Beat Tigers in NRL Round One|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}} He played 19 games in his debut season and picked up the Steve Mortimer Medal for the Bulldogs Rookie of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.thekennel.net.au/forum/showthread.php?t=91656|title=Tolman Named Bulldogs Player of the Year|publisher=Thekennel.net.au|date=2007-12-15|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

In March 2012, it was reported that Kasiano had declared his representative allegiance to the Queensland Maroons and Australian national team, however Kasiano himself sent a letter to the NZRL indicating he wanted to play for the country of his birth, New Zealand.{{cite web|author=Aaron Lawton|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/pritchard-into-the-trenches-with-kiwis-20120414-1x039.html#ixzz1s5YVh7a5|title=Pritchard into the trenches with Kiwis|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=14 April 2012|accessdate=2015-11-22}}{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/queensland-increases-front-row-stocks-with-sam-kasiano-and-lama-tasi-declaring-allegiances-to-maroons/story-e6frep5x-1226291117681|title=Queensland Increases Front Row Stocks with Sam Kasiano and Lama Tasi Declaring Allegiances to Maroons|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}} In Round 2 match against the New Zealand Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium, Kasiano scored his first NRL try in the Bulldogs 32–18 win.{{cite web|url=http://m.tvnz.co.nz/sport/related/league/4782286/?relatedId=4782143|title=Bulldogs fend off Warriors comeback|access-date=24 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402090633/http://m.tvnz.co.nz/sport/related/league/4782286/?relatedId=4782143|archive-date=2 April 2015}} At the 2012 Dally M Awards Kasiano was named the NRL's prop forward of the year.{{cite news|last=News Limited|author-link=News Limited|title=All the Dally M winners plus galleries|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/fans-believe-ben-barba-will-score-a-runaway-win-in-the-dally-m-award/story-e6frfgbo-1226465030839|accessdate=5 September 2012|newspaper=Herald Sun|date=4 September 2012}} In the Bulldogs 2012 NRL Grand Final against the Melbourne Storm, Kasiano started at prop in the Bulldogs 14–4 loss.{{cite web|last=Badel|first=Peter|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-bulldogs-v-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484701474|title=Melbourne Storm beat Canterbury Bulldogs in 2012 NRL grand final|publisher=News.com.au|date=2012-09-30|accessdate=2015-11-22}}{{cite web|last=Toohey|first=Barry|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/our-player-ratings-for-the-nrl-grand-final-between-canterbury-and-the-melbourne-storm/story-fndujljl-1226484848217|title=Our player ratings for the NRL grand final between Canterbury and the Melbourne Storm|publisher=News.com.au|date=2012-09-30|accessdate=2015-11-22}} He played in 24 matches and scored a try in the NRL season. Kasiano made his New Zealand test debut in the October Test at prop in the 20–12 loss to Australia at 1300SMILES Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/live-blog-australia-v-new-zealand/story-e6frg6n6-1226494980023|title=Live Blog Australia v New Zealand|publisher=Theaustralian.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

File:Sam Kasiano 2013.JPG]]

Kasiano missed the first 7 matches of 2013 with a leg injury.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/canterbury-bulldogs-beat-wests-tigers-40-4-in-nrl-round-eight-clash/story-e6frexp9-1226634959989|title=Bulldogs Beat Tigers 40-4 in NRL Round 8|publisher=Dailytelegraph.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}} In Round 21 match against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Jubilee Oval, Kasiano scored a double in the 39–20 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/bulldogs-big-men-take-over-as-dugans-heroics-in-vain/story-fnca0von-1226691725386|title=Bulldogs Big Men Take Over as Dugan's Heroics in Vain|publisher=Theaustralian.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}} He played in scored 3 tries in 13 matches for the Bulldogs in the 2013. Kasiano was selected in the New Zealand 2013 World Cup squad, playing in 5 matches including playing off the interchange bench in the 34–2 loss to Australia in the World Cup final.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/world-cup-final-player-ratings/tabid/10874/newsid/75602/default.aspx|title=World Cup final player ratings|publisher=NRL.com|date=2013-12-01|accessdate=2015-11-22}}

File:Sam Kasiano Canterbury Bulldogs.jpg

Kasiano returned to the Bulldogs first grade squad in Round 7 of the 2014 season against the South Sydney Rabbitohs off the interchange bench in the 15–14 win after missing the early round recovering from a foot injury and playing in NSW Cup.{{cite web|author=Paul Zalunardo|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/rugby-league-match-centre/south-sydney-rabbitohs-v-canterbury-bulldogs-20140418-36vc3.html|title=South Sydney Rabbitohs v Canterbury Bulldogs|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=18 April 2014|accessdate=2015-11-22}} In Round 22 against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Kasiano suffered a season ending ankle injury in the Bulldogs 41–10 loss.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-keep-their-finals-hopes-alive-with-a-4110-victory-over-an-imploding-canterbury-bulldogs/story-fniabm4i-1227018536740|title=Broncos Keep Their Finals Hopes Alive with a 41-10 Victory over Bulldogs|publisher=Couriermail.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}}{{cite web|author=Adrian Proszenko|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sam-kasiano-ruled-out-for-rest-of-the-nrl-season-20140820-1063yx.html|title=Sam Kasiano ruled out for rest of the NRL season|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=2014-08-20|accessdate=2015-11-22}} Kasiano finished the season with him playing 14 matches and scoring 3 tries.

On 3 March 2015, Kasiano extended his contract with the Bulldogs to the end of the 2018 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/canterbury-bulldogs/sam-kasiano-resigns-with-canterbury-20150330-1mb2lb.html|title=Sam Kasiano re-signs with Canterbury|date=30 March 2015|publisher=|via=The Sydney Morning Herald}} On 2 May 2015, Kasiano represented Samoa in the Polynesian Cup against Tonga. He was named man-of-the-match in the test. He and fellow Bulldogs teammate Frank Pritchard, who was captaining the team, made headlines in the match after making a 'double-team' try-saving hit on Tonga's Jorge Taufua in 77th minute forcing him over the sideline and securing Samoa the narrow margin 18–16 victory at Cbus Super Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/video-sam-kasiano-try-saving-tackle-on-jorge-taufua-secures-pacific-test-win-for-samoan-against-tonga/story-e6frf3ou-1227331678892|title=Sam Kasiano Try Saving Tackle on Jorge Taufua Secures Pacific Test Win for Samoa Against Tonga|publisher=Foxsports.com.au|accessdate=2015-11-22}} In Round 21 against the Sydney Roosters, Kasiano was on the receiving end of a shoulder charge from Roosters forward Kane Evans, making headlines as one of the biggest hits of the year.{{cite web|author=David Sygall|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/sam-kasiano-flattened-by-massive-kane-evans-hit-in-bulldogs-v-roosters-nrl-match-20150731-gip6ct.html|title=Sam Kasiano flattened by massive Kane Evans hit in Bulldogs v Roosters NRL match|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=2015-07-31|accessdate=2015-11-22}}{{cite web|author=|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/nrl-finals-sydney-roosters-beat-canterbury-bulldogs-after-video-referee-howler-20150918-gjq609.html|title=NRL finals: Sydney Roosters beat Canterbury Bulldogs after video referee howler|publisher=Smh.com.au|date=18 September 2015|accessdate=2015-11-22}} Kasiano finished off the 2015 season having played in 24 games and scoring 2 tries.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/NC0xNjYwLTQtLS0tLS0xNjU4Ny0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0=|title=Custom Match List|publisher=Rugby League Project|date=2015-10-23|accessdate=2015-11-23}}

On 1 February 2016, Kasiano was named in the Bulldogs 2016 Auckland Nines squad.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/bulldogs-name-2016-nines-squad/|title=Bulldogs name 2016 Nines squad - Rugby League Week|work=Rugby League Week|accessdate=7 May 2016}} In Round 6 against the Melbourne Storm, Kasiano played his 100th NRL career match in the Bulldogs 18–12 win at AAMI Park.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/rugby-league-match-centre/live-nrl-melbourne-storm-v-canterbury-bulldogs-20160411-go3nfk.html|title=Live NRL: Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=11 April 2016|accessdate=7 May 2016}} On 7 May 2016, Kasiano played for Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup against Tonga, where he started at prop in the 18–6 win at Parramatta Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/samoa-too-good-for-tonga-in-fiery-pacific-test-clash-at-pirtek-stadium/news-story/aa55d4e66b709a32a0637457807f329e|title=Samoa triumph over Tonga in brutal affair|publisher=}} In Round 24 against the Brisbane Broncos, Kasiano was charged with a grade two dangerous contact charge after he kicked Broncos veteran Corey Parker in the face when he attempted to leave a tackle, leaving him with a split lip and chin during the Bulldogs 20–10 loss at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/broncos/brisbane-enforcer-corey-parker-claims-bulldogs-prop-sam-kasiano-knowingly-kicked-him-in-the-face/news-story/375f86ebd85d45e7a69e3b9ad1086ddd|title=NRL video: Brisbane enforcer Corey Parker claims Bulldogs prop Sam Kasiano knowingly kicked him in the face|date=19 August 2016|publisher=}} Kasiano was later given a two-match suspension.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/sam-kasiano-likely-to-have-case-to-answer-after-donkey-kick-on-broncos-skipper-corey-parker/news-story/a57fb8cc28cd8485b661e0d389aca7de|title=Sam Kasiano cops two game ban for kick on Corey Parker|date=22 August 2016|publisher=}} Kasiano finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing in 23 matches and scoring 6 tries for the Bulldogs. On 8 October 2016, Kasiano represented Samoa in the Samoa vs. Fiji test match, where he started at prop and scored a try in the 20–18 loss in Apia, Samoa.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/live-rugby-league-test-match-samoa-v-fiji/news-story/a89f6b0a380cb77665ca5b68f6a0d64a|title=Samoa v Fiji rugby league Test live: kick off time, TV time, live scores, live updates|date=8 October 2016|publisher=}}

In February 2017, Kasiano was selected in the Bulldogs 2017 NRL Auckland Nines squad.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/2017-downer-nrl-auckland-nines-squads/tabid/10874/newsid/103308/default.aspx|title=2017 Downer NRL Auckland Nines squads|date=3 February 2017|publisher=}} On 6 May 2017, Kasiano played for Samoa in the test against England, starting at prop in the 30–10 loss at Campbelltown Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/anthony-milford-named-in-samoa-side-for-test-against-england/news-story/d491fdb9787fa08bbb3c62268ec4ded1|title=Subscribe - couriermail|website=www.couriermail.com.au}} On 5 July 2017, it was announced that Kasiano signed a 3-year contract with the Melbourne Storm to the end of the 2020 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/storm-sign-kasiano-keep-asofasolomona-20170706-gx5wt0.html|title=Storm sign Kasiano, keep Asofa-Solomona|first=Scott|last=Bailey|date=6 July 2017|publisher=|via=The Sydney Morning Herald}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/why-bulldogs-giant-sam-kasiano-took-pay-cut-to-join-melbourne-storm-next-season/news-story/a04cc25e22853d53cb3113658f2baded|title=Sam Kasiano NRL Storm deal from Bulldogs: Signed three year contract|date=28 June 2017|publisher=}} Kasiano finished his last year the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs with playing in 22 matches in the 2017 NRL season.

=2018: Melbourne Storm=

In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL season, Kasiano made his club debut for the Melbourne Storm against his former club the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, playing off the interchange bench in the 36–18 win at Perth Stadium.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/live-nrl-canterbury-bulldogs-v-melbourne-storm-live-scores-updates-news-blog/news-story/c04531badbce17756b8eda283223d4d9|title = Cameron Munster starts 2018 on fire as Storm outclass Bulldogs in Perth|date = 10 March 2018}} In round 6, Kasiano scored his first club try for the Storm in the 40–14 win over the Newcastle Knights at AAMI Park. Out of favour for much of the second half of the season, Kasiano played with Melbourne Storm affiliate Easts Tigers, where he played in the 2018 Queensland Cup Grand Final. He went onto represent Toa Samoa in the 2018 Pacific Rugby League Tests.

=2019-22: Catalans Dragons=

At the end of the 2018 NRL season Kasiano was released by Melbourne, and signed with Super League's Catalan Dragons. On 9 October 2021, Kasiano played for Catalans in their 2021 Super League Grand Final defeat against St. Helens.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/58858850/|title=Super League Grand Final: Catalans Dragons 10-12 St Helens: Saints win three in a row|work=BBC Sport |date=9 October 2021 }}

On 23 May 2022, it was announced that Kasiano had signed a contract to join Warrington for the 2023 Super League season.{{cite web|url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/news/20160875.warrington-wolves-confirm-signing-kyle-amor-loan/|title=Warrington Wolves confirm signing of Kyle Amor on loan|website=www.warringtonguardian.co.uk|date=24 May 2022 }}

=2023: Warrington=

Kasiano played 24 games for Warrington in the 2023 Super League season as Warrington finished sixth on the table and qualified for the playoffs. He played in the clubs elimination playoff loss against St Helens.{{cite web|url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sport/23827325.highs-lows-warrington-wolves-2023-season/|title=Highs and lows from Warrington Wolves' 2023 season|website=www.warringtonguardian.co.uk|date=3 October 2023 }}

=2024: Dapto Canaries=

On 1 March 2024 it was reported that he had joined Dapto Canaries in the Illawarra Rugby League.{{cite web|website=Total RL|date=1 Mar 2024|title=Ex-Warrington Wolves prop Sam Kasiano joins surprise club|url=https://www.totalrl.com/ex-warrington-wolves-prop-sam-kasiano-joins-surprise-club/}}

=2025: South Sharks=

On 6 February 2025 it was reported that he had joined Mackay & District Rugby League club Souths Sharks as player-coach.{{cite web|website=Serious About RL|accessdate=1 Mar 2025|date=6 Feb 2025|title=Ex-Warrington Wolves man Sam Kasiano joins star-studded club|url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/ex-warrington-wolves-man-sam-kasiano-joins-star-studded-club-101259/|author=Will Jackson}}

References

External links

[http://www.catalansdragons.com/en/fiche-537-kasiano-sam/ Catalans Dragons profile]
[https://www.superleague.co.uk/player/825/sam%3Cbr-%3Ekasiano SL profile]
[https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/melbourne-storm/sam-kasiano/ Melbourne Storm profile]

Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century New Zealand sportsmen

Category:Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs players

Category:Catalans Dragons players

Category:Dapto Canaries players

Category:Expatriate rugby league players in France

Category:Melbourne Storm players

Category:New Zealand national rugby league team players

Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Samoan descent

Category:New Zealand expatriate rugby league players in Australia

Category:New Zealand expatriate rugby league players in England