Congratulations: Now Eels Star! Kelma Tuilagi finally brings back forgotten memories to the Football World with a legendary Name of His Newborn Baby— Honouring a testament After a Broncos Team Legend” Name now officially revealed..
In a touching and unexpected twist that has captured the hearts of the rugby league world, Parramatta Eels forward Kelma Tuilagi has welcomed the birth of his first child — and in doing so, paid tribute to one of the game’s greats in a way that no one saw coming.
The 25-year-old second-rower, known for his power, humility, and unshakable presence on the field, revealed on social media that he and his partner had named their newborn son “Payne” — after none other than Brisbane Broncos superstar Payne Haas.
The announcement, posted late last night, instantly sent fans into a frenzy across Australia and New Zealand, sparking emotional reactions from players, pundits, and supporters alike. Within minutes, hashtags like #BabyPayne, #TuilagiTribute, and #RugbyFamily were trending across X (formerly Twitter), with messages of congratulations pouring in from every corner of the rugby league community.
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“A Name That Means More Than the Game”
In a heartfelt post, Tuilagi wrote:
> “Welcome to the world, little Payne. You carry a name that stands for strength, faith, and hard work — just like the man who inspired it. I hope you grow up to be as humble and fearless as he is.”
The post was accompanied by a photo of the proud father cradling his newborn, wrapped in a tiny blue blanket with a small Eels logo stitched on one corner.
The gesture struck an emotional chord not only with fans of the Eels and Broncos but with rugby league lovers worldwide. In a sport often defined by rivalry, aggression, and competition, Tuilagi’s tribute stood out as a powerful reminder of mutual respect among athletes — one that transcends club lines.
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Respect Between Rivals
Tuilagi’s admiration for Haas isn’t new. The two forwards have clashed on the field multiple times, often in physically demanding battles that drew praise from commentators for their intensity. Yet behind the collisions lies deep respect.
In interviews following matches, Tuilagi has often singled out Haas as one of the toughest and most disciplined players in the NRL.
> “He’s the kind of player you can’t help but admire,” Tuilagi once said. “He’s a machine on the field, but off it, he’s humble and family-driven — that’s the kind of example I want to follow.”
The decision to name his son after Haas wasn’t made lightly, according to those close to the Eels star. Sources say Tuilagi had discussed the idea with his partner months before the birth, believing the name symbolized more than just athletic greatness — it represented perseverance, resilience, and leadership.
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Broncos Legend Reacts
When news of the tribute reached Payne Haas himself, the Broncos powerhouse was reportedly “speechless and deeply honored.”
Haas shared Tuilagi’s post to his Instagram story, writing simply:
> “This means more than any award. Congrats, brother. Wishing your family all the blessings in the world.”
The post was followed by a flood of congratulatory comments from fellow players including Nathan Cleary, Cameron Munster, and James Tedesco — each acknowledging the rare show of sportsmanship between two of the league’s fiercest competitors.
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Fans Declare It a ‘Moment Bigger Than Any Trophy’
Across social media, fans expressed overwhelming admiration for Tuilagi’s gesture, calling it “a moment that restores faith in the spirit of the game.”
One supporter wrote:
> “Championships fade. Records get broken. But naming your child after someone you respect? That’s legacy.”
Another added:
> “Forget the premierships. This is the real heart of rugby league — respect, brotherhood, and love that runs deeper than jerseys.”
Some fans even joked that the Eels and Broncos should consider playing a “tribute match” when little Payne turns one — a celebration of unity between two clubs that have shared decades of rivalry.
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A Rare Bond in Rugby League
The rugby world has seen tributes before — tattoos, dedications, jersey swaps — but naming a child after an active rival stands in a league of its own. It’s an act that not only highlights the evolving culture of the sport but also the values it now embraces: respect, emotional intelligence, and connection.
Rugby league, once seen purely as a game of brute strength, has been undergoing a quiet transformation. Players like Haas and Tuilagi represent a new generation that balances intensity with integrity, showing that toughness doesn’t exclude compassion.
Former NRL player and commentator Cooper Cronk weighed in on the story, saying:
> “Moments like this remind us why rugby league is special. It’s not just about the scoreboard — it’s about people. What Kelma did today is something that will be remembered long after he hangs up the boots.”
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From Samoa to Sydney — The Journey That Led Here
Born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, Tuilagi’s journey to the NRL has been one of resilience. Before finding his home at Parramatta, he had stints with the Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles — earning a reputation as a hard-hitting defender with a quiet, workmanlike approach to the game.
Teammates often describe him as “the ultimate teammate” — loyal, selfless, and grounded.
“Kelma’s the kind of bloke who doesn’t chase headlines,” said an Eels teammate. “But when something like this happens, it shows the kind of heart he has. He’s genuine — that’s rare.”
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A Symbol of Brotherhood
The naming of baby Payne has already inspired a wave of goodwill stories among the NRL fraternity. Several players shared their own experiences of fatherhood, unity, and admiration for their peers.
Tuilagi’s gesture, many say, is a symbol of what makes rugby league a family — not just a competition. It’s about the bonds forged through battle, the respect earned through hardship, and the recognition that even rivals can inspire one another to be better — as players, and as people.
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Looking Ahead
As Tuilagi prepares to return to training after the offseason, he does so with a renewed sense of purpose — as both a father and a player. Those close to him say the birth of little Payne has brought “a deeper fire” to his mindset.
And though the Eels star insists that he doesn’t expect any special attention for the gesture, the rugby league community is unlikely to forget this moment anytime soon.
It’s a story that will be told for years — one of respect, family, and legacy — reminding the world that sometimes, the greatest victories happen far away from the scoreboard.
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Final Whistle: More Than a Game
In an era dominated by headlines of rivalry, controversy, and contracts, Kelma Tuilagi’s tribute stands as a rare beacon of humanity — a reminder that the spirit of sport is built not just on competition, but on connection.
The birth of baby Payne isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a love letter to rugby league itself — a declaration that respect between players can inspire something far greater than a trophy.
As one fan perfectly put it:
> “This isn’t about the Eels or the Broncos. This is about legacy — and the kind of love that keeps the game alive.”
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