Mackay junior Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis signs NRL deal with Tigers

From A-grade rookie at 17 to the Wests Tigers, we reveal how Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis joined a growing list of Mackay youngsters closing in on making their NRL dreams a reality.

Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis. Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

Mackay’s foothold as one of the country’s strongest regions for NRL talent production won’t be faltering anytime soon.

18-year-old Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis has joined a long list of ‘sugar city’ products to secure development NRL contracts, putting pen to paper with Wests Tigers.

“I’m a bit stoked to proceed with my dream and be training with the Tigers, it’s a big accomplishment for me,” Nehemiah said.

“I was just lost for words, real happy and a bit nervous at the same time.”

Originally from Townsville, Nehemiah began his rugby league career at age seven, before relocating to Mackay and joining Magpies juniors at 10 years of age.

Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis could have a long future with Wests. Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

Within seven years the Mackay State High product would climb the ranks to the senior club’s A-grade side, notching three games with the eventual premiers in 2023.

“He did really well, he certainly didn’t look out of place,” Magpies premiership winning coach Scott Thorburn said.

“For a young kid playing in the front row, he didn’t back down … the biggest thing is just showing you’re made out of that tough, resilient, front-rower mould.”

Thorburn was particularly struck by Nehemiah’s application at training.

“His attitude to training and the way he presents himself at training is really important, he’s always well prepared,” Thorburn said.

“He can handle the contact, usually front-rowers aren’t maturing until 25 or 26, for a young kid who was only 17, he did really well to show that toughness at that age.”

Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis in action for his boyhood club Mackay Magpies. Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

Thorburn also believes Wests will be the right place for Nehemiah to continue his development.

“He’s got his foot in the door now, that’s the main thing, he’s got his opportunity,” he said.

“They’re a really strong junior club, the Wests Tigers, I think he’s going to have to go down there now and prove himself.

“Wests weren’t the only club that were looking at him, he got a fair bit of interest after those first grade games which was good.”

Nehemiah’s father, Dan Davis, credited Magpies for the role they played in his development.

“We take our hat off to Magpies juniors and seniors and what they’ve put into him … much appreciation to them, they’ve played a massive role in where he is at the moment,” Dan said.

But what sparked the Tigers’ interest?

Dan recalls that after a series of strong showings for Capricornia at the state titles, Nehemiah caught the eye of his now manager, who would send the front-rower’s tapes to a number of NRL clubs.

Capricornia’s Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis in action at the Queensland School Rugby League Championship Finals in Townsville. Grand final. Picture: Evan Morgan

Consider his A-grade performances at just 17 too, and it was enough to seal the deal.

Dan also credited Wests for “opening their arms” to help his son adapt to the foreign Sydney lifestyle.

“It’s really good that they’ve done that with the big move that he’s done,” Dan said.

“Big thanks to the Tigers family, they’ve made that transition quite easy for him at this stage.”

Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis settling in at Wests training. Picture: Mackay Magpies Senior Rugby League Facebook.

Speaking from the car en route to his fourth training session, having touched down in Sydney in the past week, Nehemiah said he was struck by the intensity of training in the early days.

“Everything’s got to be 100%, because you’re at the high level you’re always putting in the hard work,” Nehemiah said.

“The first training was a bit full on for me but I’m enjoying it so far.”

He did however concede that life in the big smoke was far removed from Mackay, and could take some getting used to.

“It’s a lot different, way bigger,” he said.

“I’m just trying to get around the big city … but settling in pretty good.”

Originally published as Mackay junior Nehemiah Wuatai-Davis signs NRL deal with Tigers