Judah Rimbu

Judah Rimbu

Personal information
Full name	Judah Rimbu
Born	(2001-10-09) 9 October 2001 (age 24) Mendi, Papua New Guinea
Height	168 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Weight	84 kg (13 st 3 lb)
Playing information
Position	Hooker, Scrum-half
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P 2021–24 PNG Hunters 69 21 11 0 106 2025 Castleford Tigers 10 1 0 0 4 2025 PNG Hunters 9 4 0 0 16 2026– Brisbane Tigers 0 0 0 0 0 Total 88 26 11 0 126 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P 2022–25 PNG Prime Minister's XIII 4 1 0 0 4 2023– Papua New Guinea 6 1 0 0 4
Source: [1] [2] As of 9 November 2025

Judah Rimbu (born 9 October 2001) is a Papua New Guinean professional rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker for the Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup, and for Papua New Guinea at international level. ^{[3] [4]}

Career

Castleford Tigers

In September 2024, Rimbu was linked with a move to the Castleford Tigers in the Super League after a prior deal with Hull FC had fallen through. ^{[5] [6]} On 1 November, Castleford announced that he would join from 2025 on a two-year contract. ^[7]

Rimbu made his Tigers debut on 9 February 2025 against Bradford Bulls in the Challenge Cup. ^[8] He scored the match-winning try against Salford Red Devils in round 4, and was awarded Man of the Match for his performance in defence and attack. ^{[9] [10]} He was also named League Express 'gamestar' against Huddersfield in round 9 for a "classy 80-minute display", including making a 20-40 kick. ^[11]

Return to PNG Hunters

On 14 June 2025, it was announced that Rimbu would be released from his contract by mutual agreement to pursue other playing opportunities, having made 10 appearances for the Tigers. ^[12]

Brisbane Tigers

On 9 November 2025 it was reported that he had signed for Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup ^[13]

Representative

Rimbu made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in their 46–10 victory over Cook Islands in the 2023 Pacific Test. ^[14]

On 12 October 2025 he played for the PNG Prime Minister's XIII in the 28-10 defeat to Australia’s Prime Minister's XIII in Port Moresby ^[15]

References

1. "Judah Rimbu - Playing Career - RLP". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
2. "Player Summary: Judah Rimbu". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club.
3. "Six to debut for Kumuls – The National". www.thenational.com.pg.
4. "Judah Rimbu". Queensland Rugby League. October 16, 2023.
5. Shaw, Matthew (24 September 2024). "Castleford Tigers target Queensland Cup Player of the Year after exceptional year". Yorkshire Live. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
6. Tomlinson, Daniel (13 October 2024). "Judah Rimbu clarity amid Hull FC 'signed' reports for new Castleford Tigers recruit". Hull Daily Mail. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
7. "Castleford sign Papua New Guinea hooker Rimbu". BBC Sport. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
8. Shaw, Matthew (9 February 2025). "Castleford Tigers' pitiful display at Bradford delivers damning insight as new era starts with old problem". All Out Rugby League. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
9. Chapman Coombe, Louis (8 March 2025). "Castleford Tigers: The jaw-dropping stats behind 'hero' Judah Rimbu's performance against Salford Red Devils". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
10. Walker, Callum (7 March 2025). "Castleford Tigers secure first win of season as Judah Rimbu excels against Salford Red Devils". TotalRL. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
11. Kilbride, Jacob (26 April 2025). "Castleford Tigers ruthlessly expose Huddersfield Giants' faults". TotalRL. Retrieved 20 May 2025.
12. "Cas confirm hooker Rimbu's exit". BBC Sport. 14 June 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
13. Ben Olawumi (9 Nov 2025). "Former Castleford Tigers star lands new club Down Under ahead of 2026". Love Rugby League.
14. "Ex-NRL star's four-try blitz, 'best put-down of the year' contender stun as PNG crush Cook Islands". Fox Sports. October 15, 2023.
15. Daniel Nuttall (12 Oct 2025). "Zero for seven?! Aussie's double hat-trick powers PM's XII past PNG despite horrific kicking". FoxSports.au.