Hepi looking to make history with Dons after signing new deal

Tyla Hepi is determined to be part of history with the Dons.

The forward has committed the next two years to the Dons after signing a new deal.

And he wants to help make ambitions of Super League rugby a reality and collect honours during the remainder of his stay.

“The stage of the career that I’m at now, I want to go out with a bit of silverware, or something like that,” he said.

“I want to create a bit of history. At my age, it’s one of the last things that I want to do in my career.

“The club has been really up front about the goal. We still don’t really know the details of the structure of the competition but all we can do is our best to put ourselves into the best position to aim for Super League.”

Following injury niggles, Hepi felt he delivered some good spells of rugby last season but is hoping for a clearer path to make an impact for the Dons during 2026.

He said: “I just wanted to get back playing to my best after back to back injuries and there was a period where I felt like I was back until I hurt my shoulder.

“As a team, we fell short of the goal of a top six place. We got there and up into fifth but we ended up with a few poor performances and dropped out.

“Next year we need to avoid complacency and starting the season strong will really help us as well.

“Hopefully we can right a few wrongs. Everyone knew where we wanted to finish and I think injuries took their toll because we didn’t have the biggest squad.

“Everyone feels that we need to right the wrongs.”