Solomon Alaimalo joins Moana Pasifika with renewed ambition

Solomon Alaimalo is back in rugby union after a short stint with the NRL’s West Tigers in 2024, and the hot-stepper has returned with a big ambition.

The 29-year-old is one of Moana Pasifika’s numerous star signings for the 2025 season. The recruits add X-factor across the park, not least of whom being All Black No. 8 Ardie Savea.

Alaimalo comes in to compete for minutes in a talented backline that includes rising stars and established international players alike.

Should he return in his familiar wing position, the former Chiefs and Highlanders speedster will be competing against the likes of Samoa Sevens speedster Tuna Tuitama, rising Tonga star Kyren Taumoefolau and Danny Toala.

However, in the official squad naming for 2025, Moana Pasifika revealed Alaimalo’s name in a stacked midfield group. Of the quartet of talent, Alaimalo is the only player not capped internationally; Julian Savea boasts more than 50 All Blacks caps, Fine Inisi has run out for Tonga 15 times and Lalomilo Malomilo made his debut for Manu Samoa in 2024.

Injury has struck already for the side, with Manu Samoa wing Neria Fomai set to miss the entire 2025 campaign after a successful ACL reconstruction following the NPC season. Young Tevita Ofa has joined the squad as Fomai’s replacement.

Now back in rugby union, Alaimalo says he has his sights set on the international game.

“A big draw factor was obviously Moana Pasifika, hopefully being able to represent the Manu Samoa over the next couple of years,” Alaimalo told Sideline Samoa.

“That’s one goal that I’ve set for myself. But just really looking forward to a season with the boys this year.”

Manu Samoa finished third in the 2024 Pacific Nations Cup thanks to a late, match-winning try to veteran Melani Nanai in the bronze final.

Alaimalo’s quest for higher honours got off to a strong start this week with a try on pre-season debut in the club’s narrow loss to the Highlanders in Auckland on Friday afternoon. He was deployed at fullback in the final third of the game.

The contest took place at North Harbour Stadium, which will act as the club’s official home in 2025 after an unsettled 2024 where home games were split across multiple venues.

The speedster will go again next weekend when Moana Pasifika host the Chiefs in Pukekohe, offering a final audition for a starting spot before the campaign gets underway against the Western Force in Perth.