Love Across the Miles: NRLW Star Grace Kukutai and Partner Tom Aoke Find Joy in Playing for the Same Team

Strategic Insights -

Grace Kukutai, the 28-year-old NRLW forward, has made a successful transition from professional netball to rugby union, playing for the Waikato Chiefs in Super W. Her partner, Tom Aoke, a 29-year-old Major League Rugby player, has made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield after living on opposite sides of the world for the past four years. The couple's dedication to their respective sports has brought them closer together, with Aoke even helping Kukutai with skills work and attending her games to provide moral support. Despite their busy schedules, the couple is enjoying the time they have together, with Aoke's arrival in Newcastle coinciding with the Wildfires' season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tom Aoke, a 29-year-old Major League Rugby player, made his debut for the Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield after living on opposite sides of the world from his partner, Grace Kukutai, for four years.
  • Grace Kukutai, a 28-year-old NRLW forward, has made a successful transition from professional netball to rugby union, playing for the Waikato Chiefs in Super W.
  • Aoke and Kukutai have been together for almost 11 years and have been a part for large periods, making his debut for the Wildfires a welcome reunion.
  • Aoke has been helping Kukutai with skills work, drawing on his experience as a rugby league player in the Warriors system for three years.
  • Aoke's arrival has been timely for the Wildfires, who have lost two players to injury in consecutive weeks.
  • Kukutai is expected to play a bigger role in the Knights' NRLW squad this season, starting against Canterbury, while Aoke will play out the season with Wildfires before returning to San Diego for the 2026 MLR season.
  • The couple's dedication to their respective sports has brought them closer together, with Aoke attending Kukutai's games and providing moral support.

Statistics:

  • 11 years - the length of time Aoke and Kukutai have been together
  • 20 minutes - the amount of playing time Aoke had in his debut for the Wildfires
  • 28 years old - the age of NRLW forward Grace Kukutai
  • 29 years old - the age of Major League Rugby player Tom Aoke
  • 2026 - the year Aoke is set to return to San Diego for the MLR season

Sources:

  • Aoke, T. (no date). Interview with James Gardiner.
  • "I love watching her play, especially live." Byline: James Gardiner (no date).
  • Kukutai, G. (no date). Interview with James Gardiner.
  • Coleman, S. (no date). Interview with James Gardiner.