When Kiana Takairangi pulled on a Parramatta Eels jersey for the first time in 2025, it wasn’t just another player transfer — it was history in the making. Her debut marked a unique family milestone: the first father‑son‑daughter trio in any premiership club’s history to represent the same club at the elite level.
The Takairangi family’s connection to the Eels runs deep. Kiana’s father, Louis Takairangi, played first grade for Parramatta back in 1987. Her brother, Brad Takairangi, became a fan favorite over six seasons with Parramatta, clocking up 110 NRL games between 2015 and 2020.
Kiana had built a strong reputation of her own before arriving at Parramatta. She debuted in the NRLW with the Sydney Roosters in 2019, later played with the Newcastle Knights (including in the 2022 premiership), and had a season with Cronulla in 2023. She has also been a proud international representative, playing for the Cook Islands and New Zealand in various fixtures.
So, while her path to Parramatta may have taken time, it carried weight — in legacy, in emotion, and in expectation.
On Sunday, 7 September 2025, Kiana took the wing for the Eels in Round 10 against the Wests Tigers. That very match turned into a statement performance: she scored the game’s first try as Parramatta romped to a 38–4 victory.
But she didn’t stop there. In the weeks that followed, she bagged a double (two tries) in another dominant performance for the Eels. (National Rugby League) By the numbers, her start with her new club has been electric.
For Kiana, donning the blue and gold wasn’t just a career move — it was profoundly personal. She’s spoken about how it felt “really special” to wear the same badge as her father and brother. Family was literally backing her that weekend: Louis and Brad were present for her jersey presentation, and emotions reportedly ran high.
She admitted to telling her father over the years to “just get out here and play for Parra” — a nudge he’d been giving her for some time. That dream becoming reality has given the Takairangi name a new chapter in Parramatta’s lore.
Kiana’s signing is more than symbolic. It strengthens Parramatta’s NRLW squad with a player experienced across multiple clubs and international arenas. Her versatility, footwork, and scoring ability make her an asset out wide.
Moreover, the narrative itself — of legacy, family, and breaking ground — resonates deeply in women’s sport. It’s a reminder that sport isn’t just about what happens on the field, but about connections across generations.
If Kiana continues on the trajectory she’s set, she may soon surpass expectations, not just as a symbolic signing but as a consistent match-winner for the Eels. The combination of her talent, her drive, and her place in club history gives her both the tools and the stage to shine.
Parramatta, already rich in tradition, has now added another meaningful story to its tapestry. And for the Takairangi family, that legacy finds new life — from Louis, to Brad, and now Kiana: the first father, son, and daughter all wearing the blue and gold at the top level.
