In a heartwarming twist to a stellar year, Canberra Raiders’ electric fullback Xavier Savage has officially announced the date of his wedding to long-time partner Taliah Simbolon. The announcement follows months of speculation after the couple’s romantic Las Vegas engagement in February 2025, which captivated fans and took the NRL community by surprise.
Back in February, while in the United States for the historic NRL double-header in Las Vegas, Savage stunned both fans and his then-girlfriend by dropping to one knee in front of the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. The spontaneous yet heartfelt proposal was caught on video and quickly went viral across sports and entertainment media, with fans praising the 22-year-old star for his romantic gesture and authenticity.
“I was nervous,” Savage admitted at the time. “I had the ring in my bag all trip and I just wanted the moment to be right. Vegas is a wild place, but it felt perfect for something unforgettable.”
Simbolon, visibly emotional in the footage, said yes without hesitation, sealing a new chapter for the couple who have been together for several years. The proposal added a personal highlight to what was already a milestone trip for the NRL, with the code making its American debut.
After months of keeping the details private, Savage and Simbolon have now confirmed that their wedding will take place in April 2026, in their home country of Australia.
The announcement was made via a coordinated post on both of their Instagram accounts, featuring a professional photo of the couple on a sunlit beach, with the caption:
“04.2026 — We’re counting down the days 💍 #TheSavageSimbolons”
Within minutes, the post was flooded with congratulatory messages from teammates, NRL stars, friends, and fans. Raiders teammates like Jack Wighton, Jordan Rapana, and Jamal Fogarty were among the first to comment, sharing their love and support for the couple.
Sources close to the pair suggest the wedding will be held in Queensland, where both have strong family roots, with a guest list expected to include fellow players, coaches, and prominent figures in the Australian rugby league world.
While many fans hoped the couple might return to Las Vegas for a destination wedding, Savage had earlier ruled that out.
“It’s tempting,” he said in an interview earlier this year. “But our families are here. We want all our loved ones around us — aunties, uncles, cousins, nan and pop — and that’s not easy if we did it overseas. We’ll do something special at home.”
The decision to hold the wedding in Australia has been applauded by fans and family members alike, many of whom are looking forward to celebrating the union in a more accessible and meaningful setting.
Savage’s personal milestone comes amid a critical period in his rugby league career. After battling injuries in previous seasons, the dynamic back has found form again in the 2025 NRL season, reclaiming his starting spot in the Raiders’ lineup and helping the team stay competitive in a tightly contested league.
His explosive pace, elusive footwork, and growing maturity have not only solidified his role in the squad but have also positioned him as a future leader within the club. Off the field, his relationship with Simbolon has been described as grounding — a source of strength that has helped him through the pressures of professional sport.
Simbolon, a fashion and beauty entrepreneur with a growing social media presence, has often shared glimpses into their life together, showing a couple who balances fame with family, fun, and faith. The two have become one of the NRL’s most admired young power couples, known not only for their individual successes but for their strong bond and mutual support.
As the wedding date draws closer, fans can expect to see more behind-the-scenes moments shared by the couple, who have already hinted at bridal preparations and venue visits in recent weeks. There’s also speculation that the wedding could be featured in a lifestyle magazine or a media special, given the public interest surrounding the pair.
For now, however, Savage remains focused on finishing the season strong with the Raiders and preparing to walk down the aisle with the woman he calls his best friend, biggest supporter, and soon-to-be wife.