Biography:

Signing formalities were completed in late June to pave the way for the Kiwi captain to join the Vodafone Warriors immediately on a deal through to the end of the 2024 NRL season.Now in his eighth season, the 25-year-old Hamilton-born Watene-Zelezniak adds another level of experience and leadership to the Vodafone Warriors.He was able to come straight in to make his club debut in the 16th round against the St George Illawarra Dragons at Central Coast Stadium in Gosford.He brought the experience of a total of 143 appearances for Penrith and Canterbury Bankstown to the club. He's also set to line up against his old club when he makes his first Vodafone Warriors appearance at Mount Smart Stadium in their 22nd-round match against Canterbury-Bankstown on August 15.In his nine appearances for the Bulldogs this year, Watene-Zelezniak averaged a career-best 167 metres a game, scored five tries and made 34 tackle breaks.After scoring two tries in his NRL debut in 2014, Watene-Zeleniak played his first Test for the Kiwis in 2016. He captained his country for the first time against the Kangaroos in a famous win at Mount Smart Stadium in 2018 and then in three Tests against England. He was again captain for the mid-year Test against Mate Ma’a Tonga in 2019 but was ruled out of the end-of-season Tests against Australia and Great Britain.