'A different beast': Whyte's evolution from young pup to enforcer
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Roosters enforcer Naufahu Whyte has revealed the mindset shift that has seen him develop into one of the most feared props in the game.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a rapid ascent from a promising youngster into the Roosters forward leader in the space of a couple of years.
A leading contender for the Dally M Prop of the Year award, Whyte has played a key role in his club’s journey to Friday night’s preliminary final against the Dolphins.
The New Zealand international came off the bench the last time the Roosters played in a grand final qualifier in 2024 in what turned out to be Jared Waerea-Hargreaves final game in the NRL.
Storm v Roosters – Finals Week 3, 2024
While there were fears the veteran’s departure would leave a void at the club, Whyte has stepped up and is now considered among the best props in the game.
"I'm more confident," Whyte said. "Back then I was not a big name going around and I had to work my way up. Now I carry this status as a forward and confidence got me here.
"I have the belief I can go toe-to-toe with anyone, no matter who you are. No matter how long you've been in the game, no matter if you've played Origin or international football, I'm thinking I can beat you with whatever I can do.
"That's got me to where I am today and I'll just keep building."
Match: Dolphins v Roosters
Finals Week 3 -
home Team
Dolphins
3rd Position
away Team
Roosters
4th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
The Roosters are preparing for a hostile environment when they arrive at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, with the venue the scene for a number of epic encounters between the two sides.
The Dolphins claimed a stunning upset in their inaugural match in the NRL in 2023, while the Tricolours prevailed in a fiery contest last season.
Whyte, Spencer Leniu, Francis Molo and Aublix Tawha were all sent to the sin bin in the ninth minute after a heated exchange that saw both sides reduced to 11 men.
Dolphins v Roosters – Round 23, 2025
The Roosters kept their heads and ran away with a dominant victory as their opponents struggled to handle the pressure.
Kristian Woolf’s men credit that game for laying the platform for their current finals charge and Whyte said the Roosters pack will be looking to rattle their opponents early.
"It's always a good challenge [playing the Dolphins]," Whyte said. "We have a pack mentality, they're a pack I respect. They stick up for their brothers and I've got my brother's back.
"As a forward pack we'll go after any pack, no matter who you are, no matter what number you have. We're coming after you so the Dolphins have to be ready."
Whyte’s dominance through the middle each week has led to representative honours, with the prop developing into a key figure in the Kiwis pack leading into next month’s World Cup.
The forward made his international debut in 2024 and had the chance to rub shoulders with James Fisher-Harris, Joe Tapine and Moses Leota.
Naufahu Whyte Try
Whyte credits that season's Pacific Championships campaign for giving him the belief he belongs at this level and he hasn't looked back.
"That year going into Kiwis [camp] is when I started building that confidence," Whyte said.
"Being around the likes of Joe Tapine, Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, all the big dogs in the game and seeing that I can go toe-to-toe with them gave me confidence to know I can bring that to the Roosters and do that with the boys.
"I didn't have that confidence I have now a couple of years ago. I'm a different beast now and I'll be bringing that confidence to this Friday."
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