Lorenzo Mulitalo (born 26 July 2000) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a winger or centre for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has also represented Samoa internationally.
Early Life and Junior Career
Mulitalo was born in Blacktown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, and is of Samoan and New Zealand heritage. He played his junior rugby league for the Penrith Brothers and later the Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks. Mulitalo attended Endeavour Sports High School and was a prominent player in schoolboy rugby league. His potential was identified early, leading him to sign with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks' pathways system. During his junior career, he represented the Australian Schoolboys and the New South Wales Under-18s team, showcasing his talent at a representative level.
Playing Career
Club Career
Mulitalo made his NRL debut for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in Round 7 of the 2019 NRL season, in a match against the Brisbane Broncos. He quickly established himself as a regular in the Sharks' first-grade squad, known for his speed, try-scoring prowess, and strong carries out of his own half. Since his debut, Mulitalo has become a vital part of the Sharks' backline, consistently performing as a prolific try-scorer and a reliable defensive presence on the wing.
Representative Career
Due to his heritage, Mulitalo is eligible to represent Samoa and New Zealand internationally, as well as Australia. In 2022, he was selected to represent Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup. Mulitalo played a significant role in Samoa's historic run to the World Cup Final, where they ultimately fell to Australia. His performances throughout the tournament further cemented his reputation as an international-quality winger.
Playing Style
Mulitalo is renowned for his blistering speed, agility, and strong finishing ability, making him a potent attacking threat on the wing. He also possesses good strength, allowing him to break tackles and gain valuable metres. His commitment in defence and aerial prowess under the high ball are also key attributes of his game.
Statistics
(As of the end of the 2023 NRL season)
| Season | Club | Pld | T | G | FG | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Cronulla-Sutherland | 16 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 36 |
| 2020 | Cronulla-Sutherland | 18 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 32 |
| 2021 | Cronulla-Sutherland | 22 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40 |
| 2022 | Cronulla-Sutherland | 22 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 64 |
| 2023 | Cronulla-Sutherland | 23 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 68 |
| Total | NRL | 101 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 240 |
Honours
- 2022 Rugby League World Cup Finalist: Samoa
References
- NRL.com Player Profile
- Rugby League Project
- Various sports news outlets (e.g., Fox Sports, Sydney Morning Herald)