NRL name changes: Why rising Warriors star Demitric Vaimauga changed his surname
From ecstasy rumours to honouring family members - there have been multiple NRL players change their names during their careers, and Demitric Vaimauga reveals the touching reason for changing his.
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New Zealand Warriors rising star Demitric Vaimauga has changed his surname to honour his mother, Ange, who raised him.
Formerly known as Demitric Sifakula, the 20-year-old’s talent has been recognised in the shape of a lengthy new contract, through until the end of 2028 at the Warriors.
He explained the reason behind his name change.
“My mum basically raised me from when I can remember, so I thought I’d just pay homage to my mum,’’ Vaimauga said.
“She has done a lot for me, so I guess I took her last name and then I represent where all my talents and I guess my upbringings come from.
“I’ve also recently had my son take my mum’s last name, so I just want to leave something behind for him.”
Vaimauga extended his contract in December, joining James Fisher-Harris as the only two Warriors in the 2025 squad signed to four-year deals.
“After signing, we know that we’re financially stable for another good four years. I think that’s really important, especially with my son now,” Vaimauga said.
“It just means a lot. I’m glad that the club showed that much faith in me.”
Vaimauga made his NRL debut in 2023, playing three games before requiring surgery on a knee injury, which kept him off the field until May last season.
However, he made his return via NSW Cup under coach David Tangata-Toa, impressing in his eight games.
NRL coach Andrew Webster called up the Otahuhu Leopards junior, who came off the bench for the final four games of the season.
“Demitric brings so much energy and aggression to his game on both sides of the ball. We love what he provides on the field and also off it,” Webster said.
“Going back to our first trial against Wests Tigers in 2023, he immediately showed he belonged at NRL level and everything he has done since has reinforced that.
“Injury impacted on his time on the field in the last two seasons but he has come back so well through a professional attitude.
“He’s our future, a great example of a locally produced and developed player.”
NRL NAME CHANGES
Demitric Sifakula to Demitric Vaimauga
The 20-year-old changed both his and his son’s surname in late 2024 to pay tribute to his mother, Ange, who raised him in Auckland.
Greg Leleisiuao to Greg Marzhew
Changed his name in September, 2020, inspired by the birth of his daughter, Isla. Marzhew legally changed his surname from Leleisiuao to honour the man who showed him how to be a dad — his maternal grandfather Ta’ilevao Marzhew.
Renouf To’omaga to Renouf Atoni
The front-rower changed his surname from To’omaga to Atoni during the 2020 off-season to pay homage to his dad’s family.
“When I was born my parents weren’t married. My mum put myself and my older sister under her last name and that’s how we spent our whole lives,” Atoni said.
“My parents are married now so there’s no real point in not having the same surname.
“Before I got married I wanted to carry my dad’s last name.”
Jacob Alick to Jacob Alick-Wiencke
The Titans forward added Wiencke to his surname in March, 2024 to honour the importance and influence of his father.
“I’ve added Wiencke to the end of my last name which is my old man’s surname,” Alick-Wiencke said.
“I’ve always just had my mum’s and my parents have been split since I was young.
“I thought it would be a bit of a respect thing to add his last name onto mine. He’s done a lot for me over my career and my life and I just wanted to show him my respect for him.
Brandon Pearson to Brandon Costin
The former Dragons, Rabbitohs, Magpies, Roosters and Raiders centre changed his name in 1999, but had to douse suggestions it had to do with the fallout of him admitting taking ecstasy during a 12-hour drinking binge with then-Raiders teammate Ben Kennedy.
“The name change had nothing to do with that,” Costin said at the time, revealing he had changed it to his father’s surname.
“I was having a family, I was the last remaining Costin and I wanted the name to carry on.”
Originally published as NRL name changes: Why rising Warriors star Demitric Vaimauga changed his surname
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