The Detroit Lions have made a notable move in their
The Canberra Raiders are celebrating more than just wins this season, with star player Xavier Savage bringing joy off the field as well. The 22-year-old fullback has officially announced the wedding date to his fiancée, Taliah Simbolon, after his unforgettable proposal earlier this year in Las Vegas.
The couple, who got engaged in February 2025 during the NRL’s historic Las Vegas round, revealed their wedding date in a joint Instagram post over the weekend. The wedding is set to take place in April 2026, marking the next exciting chapter in a romance that has won over fans both on and off the field.
Savage’s surprise proposal in Las Vegas made headlines around the country. While fans were tuning in to see the Raiders take on international rivals in the U.S., they got an extra dose of drama and romance when Savage proposed to Simbolon under the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.
The moment was captured in a video that quickly went viral. In the footage, Savage drops to one knee with a ring in hand, and an emotional Taliah says yes while onlookers cheer. The couple shared the video online, accompanied by the caption: “What happens in Vegas… lasts forever 💍❤️.”
“It was something I’d been planning for a while, Savage told reporters after returning to Australia. Taliah means everything to me. I wanted it to be a moment we’d never forget.
Fans and fellow players flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising Savage not only for his on-field speed and agility but also for his heartfelt off-field gesture.
Since the engagement, fans have been eager to know when the big day would arrive. On Saturday, the couple ended months of speculation by announcing their wedding would take place in April 2026, with the exact date yet to be disclosed. The post included a photo of the couple walking hand-in-hand along a beach at sunset, captioned:
The announcement drew thousands of likes within hours, with many of Savage’s Raiders teammates chiming in with comments and excitement.
While the couple has yet to reveal the wedding venue, it is widely believed the ceremony will be held in Queensland, where both Savage and Simbolon have strong family ties. Friends close to the couple say they are planning a “big, beautiful family wedding” that blends tradition with their unique style
Despite the memorable engagement location, Savage was quick to shut down rumours that the couple would wed in Las Vegas.
“Vegas was perfect for the proposal, but our hearts are here at home, he said in an interview earlier this year. We want our families to be part of everything. Aunties, uncles, cousins – we want them all there. Australia is where it feels right.
That decision has been warmly received by their loved ones and the broader NRL community, many of whom had voiced concerns about the challenges of attending an overseas wedding.
2025 has been a significant year for Savage, not just personally but professionally. After overcoming early career injuries and competition for his spot, he has reclaimed his place as one of the NRL’s most exciting young fullbacks. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability have made him a key figure in the Raiders’ lineup.
His relationship with Taliah has been credited by some as a source of stability and strength throughout his development. Simbolon, a fashion and beauty influencer, has her own growing following and is regularly seen supporting Savage at games and community events.
Together, they’ve become a modern-day power couple in Australian sport, admired for their authenticity, youth, and shared values.
With the wedding now less than six months away, the countdown is on. Friends of the couple say plans are well underway, with Taliah already deep into bridal fittings, location scouting, and guest list arrangements.
Meanwhile, Savage remains focused on finishing the NRL season strong and preparing for a well-deserved break over the summer.
As one fan put it in a comment under the couple’s announcement post: Speed on the field. Romance off it. You’re winning in every way, Xavier.
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