
Deontae Israel Perese
WRS 2008 – 2014
rugby league player
Ethnicity: Māori / Samoan
Where am I now?
I live in Melbourne and play for the Melbourne Storm Under 21’s Jersey Flegg team. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but rather, a journey that requires hard work, discipline and consistency. It’s always been my dream to play NRL. I’ve had many setbacks. I’ve had to learn that hard work beats talent. Keep putting in the extras and love what you’re doing. I have many goals. To achieve my goals, I keep working towards them and have the right support behind me. Without my family, and the village behind me, I wouldn’t be where I am now.
My favourite memories:
My favourite memory is being a part of the leadership team and using those leadership skills to captain our sports teams, as well as being a part of different sporting teams during my primary school years.
I enjoyed being part of the leadership group. This helped me learn the importance of collaboration, empathy, and responsibility. It showed me the importance of giving back to the community and striving to make a positive difference.
My role models:
I was born in Sydney, Australia in 2003 to parents Fiti and Kama Perese. I returned to NZ in 2007 to my grandparent’s family home. My grandfather, the late Fitimaleula Perese and my grandmother, Arasi Perese have resided in Wymondley since the 1960s. My grandmother is still currently living in Wymondley.
My achievements:
- 2014 Awarded a scholarship to St Kentigerns Boys School and College
- Captained our 1st Rugby Rippa team to represent Wymondley Road School (WRS) and won the Auckland Championships to qualify for the National Championship in Wellington
- Awarded 2014 WRS MVP/Sportsman of the Year
- Counties Stingrays Rugby League rep team Under 15’s
- NZ TAG team Under 16’s at age 12
- Samoa tag team under 15s at age 12 to Represent at World’s TAG Tournament Sunshine Coast
- Samoa tag team under 21s at age 16 Represent at World’s TAG Tournament Australia being awarded the Junior Player of the Tournament
- Samoa Rugby League under 16s rep team, first to defeat a NZ U16’s rep team
- Niue Rugby League Pacific tournament team under 18s at age 17
- Niue Australian Harmony Cup winners 2023 Men’s Open Grade
- Wynnum Seagulls Colts team, Australia
- Scholarship to Keebra Park High School in the Gold Coast, 2021 graduate
- Currently, Melbourne Storm signed Jersey Flegg Under 21’s athlete
Something special about me:
I have 5 siblings, 3 brothers and 2 sisters and I am the 3rd eldest child. Funny fact we all begin with the letter D,
Derise, Denzel, Daren, Deva and Daryus. We have all attended Wymondley Road School except my eldest brother Derise.
Studied @: St Kentigerns Prep and St Kentigerns College, Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa; Keebra Park High School, Sydney, Australia

Azizah Abdul Rahim
WRS 2016
Auckland Uni student
Ethnicity: Burmese
Where am I now?
I am in my first year at the University of Auckland majoring in Commerce and Science. I am studying these majors because I aim to pursue a career in marketing, with a long-standing passion for science and sports journalism.
Favourite memories:
The choir gave me amazing opportunities to perform in places I never thought I’d go.
A memorable experience was when we sang at a rest home. The joy on the faces of the residents was heartwarming. I’ll never forget the kind elderly woman who held my hand during one of our songs. Her eyes sparkled with happiness, and her gentle squeeze conveyed so much gratitude. Seeing the smiles of everyone in the audience made me realise the power of sharing joy through song.
I enjoyed being part of the leadership group. This helped me learn the importance of collaboration, empathy, and responsibility. It showed me the importance of giving back to the community and striving to make a positive difference.
My role models:
My mother is my biggest role model. She is resilient. She has overcome challenges, has an unwavering support for our family, and is dedicated to her work. This has always inspired me. She taught me the importance of kindness, perseverance, and integrity. Her guidance and encouragement have shaped my values and ambitions.
My aspirations:
I aspire to drive business success through marketing, advocate for social causes and promote sustainable practices. I also aspire to be a sports journalist, to deliver compelling narratives that inspire and inform. Beyond this, I am dedicated to giving back to the community. I want to make a difference in the world.
Something special about me:
I’m a total cat whisperer—I’ve got four cats at home, and I just adore them! Animals are a huge part of my life and bring so much joy
Studied @: Papatoetoe Intermediate School and Papatoetoe High School