80-746: Joseph Anthony Young Ofahengaue (born 15 September 1995) is a Tonga international rugby league professional footballer who plays as a lock and prop for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers in the NRL, and has played at representative level for Queensland in State of Origin . Born in Auckland, New Zealand , Ofahengaue
160-418: A 12-point defeat to Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup. Tonga fielded its strongest ever team at the 2017 World Cup after Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita chose to represent their Tongan heritage rather than their respective birthplaces, New Zealand and Australia . At the time, they were considered to be among the best forwards in the world. Both players cited a desire to honour family and strengthen
240-692: A 16-all deadlock with a try just seven seconds from full-time. This win was a huge morale boost to the district following the closure of the area's biggest employer, the BHP Newcastle Steelworks , being announced earlier the same year. Seventy per cent of the winning squad were Newcastle juniors. In this year Robbie O'Davis won the Clive Churchill Medal . The following season, Knights players Robbie O'Davis , Wayne Richards and Adam MacDougall tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs; however, all three maintained they started use after
320-469: A Newcastle-based not for profit club, after being administered by the NRL since the departure of Nathan Tinkler . The following season marked a resurgence for the club, with the arrivals of high-profile halfback Mitchell Pearce , sought after rookie fullback Kalyn Ponga , as well as Queensland Origin representative Aidan Guerra and several other players. The team started the season strongly, winning five of their opening eight games to sit comfortably inside
400-464: A club, our goal is to set a standard for our players and Joe understands that he must pay a price for his actions that night." Ofahengaue made 15 appearances for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season as the club suffered their worst ever year on the field, culminating in the club's first Wooden Spoon . On 29 November, he signed a three-year deal to join the Wests Tigers starting in 2021. In round 1 of
480-567: A consequence, New Zealand's squad for their match against England on 24 June 2018 contained just one Tongan-eligible player, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak , who reportedly pledged his loyalty to the Kiwis to honour his great-grandfather Puti Tipene Watene , the first Māori to captain the side. Tonga faced Australia for the first time ever on 20 October 2018, losing 34–16. On 22 June 2019, Tonga faced New Zealand again at Mount Smart Stadium as part of
560-661: A role in their development. He’s a player they look up to and are comfortable going to for advice. Like the younger guys, he too is always challenging himself to improve, and that’s exciting for all of us." On 20 May, Ofahengaue played his final game for the Wests Tigers starting at lock and scoring a try in a 66-18 win over North Queensland. On 23 May, Ofahengaue was granted an immediate release from his Wests Tigers contract to join Parramatta . He later said, "Everyone knows I didn't want to leave that club. Sometimes you’ve just got to read
640-450: A single match in the first half of the 2005 premiership, losing 13 consecutive matches which was the worst start to a season by any club since the 1960s. In 2006, the Knights finished the season in fourth position, a stunning reversal in form, but were eliminated from the finals after losing in the semi-final to the Brisbane Broncos , going down 50–6. Prior to the 2006 NRL season kick-off it
720-541: A sole match while losing the other two, with their first international victory coming against the American Samoa side a match that ended 38–14. Over the next two years the national side sporadically played international fixtures but it was not until the 1992 Pacific Cup when they again began playing with some regularity. At the 1992 Cup competition the side showed significant improvement on their previous inaugural cup effort with victories over , Cook Islands , Fiji and
800-454: A tough campaign finishing 15th on the table. Tonga national rugby league team The Tonga national rugby league team ( Tongan : timi līki ʻakapulu fakafonua ʻa Tonga ) represents Tonga in rugby league football. They are currently the fifth ranked team in the world. The team was formed to compete in the 1986 Pacific Cup , and have competed at six Rugby League World Cups , starting in 1995 and continuing consecutively until
880-400: A two-year contract. In the next few days, the Knights also confirmed the signings of current Queensland Maroons star Neville Costigan on a three-year contract, and the promising young backrower Kyle O'Donnell on a two-year contract. The Knights finished 11th in 2010. While the club did not play in the finals, Adam MacDougall recorded the most tries for the club and Akuila Uate equaled
SECTION 10
#1732858162506960-634: Is McDonald Jones Stadium . A Newcastle rugby league team had been assembled from players in the Newcastle Rugby League to compete in various competitions for most of the 20th century. The Newcastle Knights entered the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition in 1988 with Allan McMahon as coach. Newcastle had previously been invited to field a team in the NSWRL competition for the 1982 season but declined, worried it would weaken
1040-488: Is of Tongan descent, and moved to Australia as a 9-year old. Ofahengaue played his junior rugby league for the Ipswich Brothers and attended Forest Lake State High School , St Edmund's College and St Peter Claver College alongside fellow NRL players Anthony Milford and Tautau Moga . Ofahengaue is the nephew of Tongan-born Australian Wallabies rugby union player Viliami Ofahengaue . In 2012, he played for
1120-606: The 2017 Rugby League World Cup . After a tight first half, Mate Ma'a Tonga went on win the match scoring 16 points within the last 20 minutes of the game. In May 2016, Tonga took on Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup at Pirtek Stadium . The International was part of a triple header which also included the Melanesian Cup, between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis. The match resulted in
1200-483: The 2018 NRL season with him playing in 24 matches and scoring 3 tries. On 20 October 2018, Ofahengaue was selected for Tonga to play in their historical first test against Australia , playing off the interchange bench in the 34-16 loss at Mt Smart Stadium . Ofahengaue was selected to play for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin series . Ofahengaue played in two of the matches in the series which New South Wales won 2-1. Ofahengaue made 20 appearances for Brisbane in
1280-474: The 2019 NRL season as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals. Ofahengaue played in the club's elimination final against Parramatta which Brisbane lost 58-0 at the new Western Sydney Stadium . The defeat was the worst in Brisbane's history and also the biggest finals defeat in history. Ofahengaue was also placed on report during the match after hitting Parramatta player Blake Ferguson in
1360-577: The 2019 Oceania Cup . The Kiwis won 34–14 in a dominant display. After the NRL season ended, Tonga played against the touring Great Britain on 26 October, winning 14–6 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton . This was Great Britain's first match after a twelve-year hiatus. The following week at Auckland's Eden Park , Tonga faced the Australia in an Oceania Cup match. Tonga stunned the world number one nation, winning 16–12, their best win in their history. This match
1440-425: The 2021 NRL season , he made his debut for Wests Tigers in a 30-12 loss against Canberra. He played a total of 23 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2021 as the club finished 13th and missed the finals. Despite Wests Tigers collecting the wooden spoon, Ofahengaue finished ninth in the competition for most tackles made, second in decoy runs, and tenth in runs made. He came 4th in the NRL's Hard Work Index, where he
1520-472: The Brisbane Broncos , but finished second on points differential (sum of points scored less points scored against). In 1999, the Knights lost their final two games of the regular season to finish 7th, before being knocked out a week later by the Parramatta Eels . The Knights came third in 2000, followed by a National Rugby League Premiership victory over the Parramatta Eels in 2001, with Andrew Johns winning
1600-607: The Clive Churchill Medal . Andrew Johns won the Dally M Medal for best player in the National Rugby League twice in a row in 1998 and 1999, and won an unprecedented third Dally M Medal in 2002. In addition, Johns also won the Provan-Summons Medal (the people's choice award for player of the year) four years in a row from 1998 to 2001, the best performance by any player in the history of the award. The club failed to win
1680-572: The Cook Islands in the pool stage. In their first match they took on 'the Scots'. It was a tight and intense rugby league battle, but Scotland won 26–24. Tonga then went on and beat 'the Kukis', 22–16, and Italy, 16–0, but it wasn't enough. Scotland finished the group stage unbeaten, sealing their place in the quarter-final and ending Tonga's World Cup campaign in the process. In May 2015, Tonga took on Samoa in
SECTION 20
#17328581625061760-696: The Hunter Mariners to compete with the Knights in the one and only season of Super League in Australia, but the Mariners failed to win much support in the area. From 1997 to 2003, the Knights achieved a finals berth for seven consecutive years. The Knights won the 1997 Australian Rugby League premiership , defeating the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles 22–16 in the Grand Final. The match is best remembered for its classic finish – with Darren Albert breaking
1840-618: The New Zealand Maori . This run of victories earned them a place in the final of the 1992 Pacific Cup against the Western Samoan side but they eventually lost a close fought match by four points 18–14. The following tournament two years later saw the Tongan side show further improvement with several comfortable victories again earning them a spot in final of the Pacific Cup this time against
1920-668: The New Zealand Warriors which ended their season. In the 2024 NRL season , Newcastle would finish in 8th place on the table and qualify for the finals. They would be eliminated in week one of the finals series by North Queensland. In 1988, the Newcastle Knights were re-established to represent rugby league in the Hunter region once more. Newcastle adopted 'The Knights' moniker as a reference to its 'steel city' industrial heritage. The jersey colours of red and blue were adopted from
2000-421: The Newcastle Knights , Ofahengaue scored his first NRL career try in the 53-0 demolished win at Suncorp Stadium . On 7 May 2016, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup , starting at lock in the 18-6 loss at Parramatta Stadium . Later into the season, Ofahengaue found himself behind in the pecking order in the forward stocks in the likes of Jai Arrow and Tevita Pangai Junior and
2080-519: The Pacific Cup was partially held in the country during 1986. After this initial exposure to the Tongan people several clubs began to form or switch from rugby union to rugby league and by 1988 the nation had enough depth in their player pool to begin playing national fixtures and entered the 1988 Pacific Cup competition held in Apia, Samoa . During that Pacific Cup the Tongans played in three fixtures winning
2160-648: The St George Dragons . The Knights made the semi-finals again in 1995 when the competition became the Australian Rugby League (ARL), and won the reserve grade premiership the same year. The club stayed loyal to the ARL when Rupert Murdoch started Super League in an attempt to win pay television rights to rugby league. This decision was very popular in the Newcastle and Hunter Region areas. News Limited formed
2240-813: The Sydney Roosters SG Ball team. From 2013 to 2015, Ofahengaue played for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team. On 3 May 2014, Ofahengaue played for the Queensland under-20s team against the New South Wales under-20s team, playing off the interchange bench in the 30-8 loss at Penrith Stadium. On 5 October 2014, Ofahengaue played in the Broncos Holden Cup Grand final against the Junior New Zealand Warriors , starting at prop in
2320-688: The most recent tournament . Their best result was at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup , where they were semi-finalists. Formerly administered by the Tonga National Rugby League , the team is now in a state of limbo with administration. They wear a predominantly red uniform with white sides and are associated with the phrase Mate Ma'a Tonga ( English : Die for Tonga ). They are coached by Australian Kristian Woolf , and captained by Addin Fonua-Blake . Rugby league first gained attention in Tonga when
2400-460: The 17-16 heartbreaking golden point extra time loss. Ofahengaue finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 14 matches for the Broncos in the 2015 NRL season . On 17 October 2015, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against the Cook Islands in their Asia-Pacific Qualifier for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup , starting at lock in the 28-8 win at Campbelltown Stadium . On 12 January, Ofahengaue
2480-692: The 2014 NRL Season, Newcastle played against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park . Shortly before half time, Newcastle forward Alex McKinnon was involved in a three-man tackle that involved Jordan McLean and the Bromwich brothers ( Jesse and Kenny ). McKinnon suffered fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae. Later in Round 19, the NRL held the 'Rise for Alex Round', where for every ticket sold, $ 1 would be donated to McKinnon to assist with his continuous medical bills and rehabilitation funds. On 7 July 2015 coach Rick Stone
Joe Ofahengaue - Misplaced Pages Continue
2560-553: The 2015 Polynesian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium . The International was part of a triple header which also included the Melanesian Cup, between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis. Samoa beat Mate Ma'a Tonga to win the Polynesian Cup by 18–16. In October 2015, Tonga took on the Cook Islands in the Asia-Pacific elimination play-off to determine which of the two Asia-Pacific nations qualified for
2640-407: The 2020 season, Newcastle would reach the finals for the first time since 2013 after finishing 7th on the table. Newcastle were eliminated in the first week of the finals by South Sydney losing 46–20. In 2021, Newcastle would reach the finals once again finishing 7th on the table. For the second straight year, they would go out in the first week of the finals losing to Parramatta 28–20. In 2022,
2720-586: The 34-32 loss. On 18 October 2014, he played for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis , starting at prop in the 15-14 loss at Mt Smart Stadium . In round 2 of the 2015 NRL season , Ofahengaue made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks , playing off the interchange bench in the 10-2 win at Shark Park . On 2 May 2015, Ofahengaue again played for
2800-513: The Broncos to the end of the 2019 season. Ofahengaue finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 16 matches and scoring 1 try for the Broncos. On 5 October 2017, Ofahengaue was selected in the 24-man Tonga squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup . Ofahengaue only played in one match in the tournament which was against Lebanon , starting at prop in the 24-22 win at AMI Stadium in Christchurch . After showing some powerhouse performances in
2880-483: The Cook Islands and Fiji but the side suffered defeat at the hands of neighbouring Samoa 51–18. 2006 saw the Tongan side re-enter the Pacific Cup where again they performed strongly qualifying for their second consecutive final where this time they reversed their previous effort with a strong victory over Fiji 22–4 giving them their second Pacific Cup title. 2006 continued to be a busy year of international fixtures for
2960-537: The Fijians who had never defeated the Tongans at that time. The Mate Ma'a were again victorious over Fiji 34–11 and claimed their maiden Pacific Cup title. During 1995 Tonga qualified for their first World Cup and were seeded in the strong group B with both New Zealand and Papua New Guinea . They narrowly lost to the New Zealand team by a single point and earned a draw against Papua New Guinea. The next four years saw
3040-535: The Junior Kangaroos against Junior Kiwis, starting at prop in the 22-20 win at Robina Stadium . On 1 June 2015, Ofahengaue re-signed with the Broncos on a two-year contract. On 14 September 2015, Ofahengaue was named at prop in the 2015 NYC Team of the Year. On 4 October 2015, in the Broncos 2015 NRL Grand Final against Queensland rivals the North Queensland Cowboys , Ofahengaue played off the interchange bench in
3120-471: The Knights' 1997 victory. The three were suspended, despite O'Davis' claims the club was not notified his drug was banned until after his positive test, and MacDougall's medical reason for taking the steroids (his usage continued after he completed his suspension, now approved by the NRL). In addition, the Knights terminated Wayne Richards' contract. In 1998, the Newcastle club finished equal on competition points with
3200-490: The Newcastle side finished 14th on the table winning six games for the entire year. In round 18 of the 2023 NRL season , Newcastle recorded their biggest ever victory as a club when they defeated Canterbury 66–0. Newcastle would end up finishing the 2023 NRL season in 5th place after winning nine straight matches, coming from 14th on the table after round 17. In week one of the finals, Newcastle defeated Canberra in extra-time 30–28. In week two, Newcastle would lose 40–10 against
3280-574: The Tonga Invitational XIII side. They have been participating in International fixtures since 1986. Newcastle Knights The Newcastle Knights are an Australian professional rugby league team based in Newcastle, New South Wales that competes in the National Rugby League (NRL) premiership. Playing in red and blue, the Knights joined the top-tier competition in 1988 , 79 years after
Joe Ofahengaue - Misplaced Pages Continue
3360-419: The Tongan side appear in a further Pacific Cup in 1997 and then qualify for the 2000 World Cup with comfortable victories over Cook Islands , Tokelau and American Samoa . Prior to appearing at the 2000 competition the Tongans arranged a friendly fixture against the New Zealand side but lost 74–0. After the heavy defeat to New Zealand their next international fixture was during their second World Cup where
3440-530: The Tongan team as motivating factors for their defections, while Taumalolo's relationship with Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf was also acknowledged. In addition, Manu Maʻu declined a likely position in the New Zealand squad, while David Fusitu'a , Solomone Kata , Tuimoala Lolohea , and Sio Siua Taukeiaho dismissed any possibility of a New Zealand re-call in order to represent Tonga. Michael Jennings also committed himself to Tonga after declining an opportunity to represent Fiji . Tonga quickly became
3520-423: The Tongans were again placed in a group with France , Papua New Guinea again, and South Africa . Tonga faced South Africa in their first match of the tournament where they won 66–18, however they lost to both France and Papua New Guinea meaning the Tongans again failed to make it past the first stage of the tournament. The Pacific Cup saw the Tongans again qualify for the tournament final with victories over both
3600-559: The Tongans which saw them gain qualification into the 2008 World Cup after they finished top of their Pacific group ahead of the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa and then defeat the Samoans 18–10 in the qualifying final. They also entered the inaugural Federation Shield competition along with England , France and Samoa and eventually finish second. England to face Tonga in League final to the English in
3680-466: The area's local league competition. The Canberra Raiders were admitted to the 1982 competition in their place. The team was a success from the start, becoming one of the most popular clubs in its first season. By 1990, the team was strong enough to enter a play-off for fifth spot. The club won their first competition, the Nissan Sevens, in 1991 and made the playoffs in 1992, where they were beaten by
3760-476: The club both on and off the field. After making a promising start to the season with victories over contenders such as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – the club and rugby league world was rocked by the shock retirement of Andrew Johns . The departure of their captain and most influential player had an obvious effect on the team, and although they managed to stay in touch with the top eight until
3840-465: The club refusing to play him in the fifteen games required to trigger his fourth contract. Before the final round of 2007, Tab Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie was reported in the Daily Telegraph saying that the Newcastle side were certainties for the 'wooden spoon' (coming last in the season) and "it was pointless taking money on the wooden spoon gong given Newcastle would be firmly planted at the bottom of
3920-404: The current kit supplier is Dynasty Sport. Also see Category:Tonga national rugby league team coaches . The Tongan squad for the 2024 Pacific Championships . The squad was announced on 8 October 2024. Statistics in this table are compiled from the website, Rugby League Project , and are up to 11 November 2024, including the week 4 cup final against Australia. Notes Since rugby league
4000-464: The earlier rounds of the season, Ofahengaue skyrocketed in contention for the Queensland Maroons as an interchange option but instead stuck with Tonga for the time being. Y On 23 June 2018, Ofahengaue was selected for Tonga to play in the 2018 Pacific test against Samoa , playing off the interchange bench in the 38-22 win at Campbelltown Stadium . Ofahengaue finished his best season up to date in
4080-422: The end of the season coach Brian Smith announced he was leaving Newcastle to join the troubled Sydney Roosters in 2010. Over the next weeks assistant coach Rick Stone was announced as the new coach of the Newcastle club. Toward the end of the season the Knights lost three games in a row which put them in doubt for the finals. They then had an outstanding comeback to beat eventual grand finalists, Parramatta up
SECTION 50
#17328581625064160-409: The final 32–14 after they had defeated both France and Samoa. In April 2013, Tonga took on Samoa in the '2013 Pacific Rugby League Test' at Penrith Stadium . The International was created as a World Cup warm-up match. Tonga beat Toa Samoans by 36–4. Tonga automatically qualified for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup after participating in the 2008 tournament. They took on Scotland , Italy and
4240-488: The first week of the finals. After the 2011 season, the Knights cleaned out 15 players, but nine other renowned players were signed including club legends Danny Buderus and Timana Tahu , Kangaroos winger Darius Boyd and Kangaroos forward Kade Snowden . The Newcastle club celebrated 25 years in the NRL competition in 2012. Captain Kurt Gidley succumbed to a shoulder injury early in the season which resulted in him missing
4320-565: The head with a swinging arm. Ofahengaue was a part of Tonga’s historic victory over Australia in November, playing off the Interchange Bench. On 26 January, Ofahengaue was charged by Queensland police for a traffic infringement. He was found asleep behind the wheel of a stationary vehicle. The Brisbane Broncos issued a statement to say the club is “aware of a motor vehicle-related offence involving forward Joe Ofahengaue, The NRL’s Integrity Unit
4400-578: The ladder by the end of the weekend". Despite these pressures, the Knights managed to avoid a second wooden spoon in three years – offloading the dreaded piece of 'silverware' to the Penrith Panthers with a last round victory over the Wests Tigers . 2008 was a resurgence year for the Novocastrians narrowly missing out on the finals. Newcastle started the 2009 NRL season convincingly equaling their best home winning streak of nine wins in 1995. Towards
4480-447: The ladder. They finished the year 7th out of 16 after losing to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in week one of the finals. On 16 December 2009 it was announced player Danny Wicks was caught-up in a drug issue involving amphetamines, cocaine and ecstasy. He was stood down from the club. Wicks' contract was terminated. For the 2010 NRL season Newcastle signed McDonald's and Coca-Cola as major sponsors. In March 2010 Chris Houston
4560-594: The last seconds of the game denied them scoring a fourth try and progressing to the World Cup final. Playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle in rugby league. If you make that team, you’re up there with the best in the world in your position... But it’s a very different feeling playing for Tonga. There’s more emotion in the Tongan jersey. You know what your family has been through and you think about them every time you put it on. After Tonga's semi-final against England, which
4640-453: The last third of the season, their season was irreparably damaged by his absence. In addition to this, the Knights endured the worst injury toll in the 2007 season fielding thirty seven players in first grade by season's end. The club also struggled off-field, with Brian Smith's decision to release players such as Clint Newton , Kirk Reynoldson , and Josh Perry . Newton's took a contract at Melbourne and Reynoldson threatened legal action over
4720-404: The most heavily backed team in the World Cup, dropping from $ 81 odds to $ 17. Entering into the tournament as the 11th ranked team in the world, Tonga comfortably won their opening two group matches, outclassing Scotland 50–4 and Samoa 32–18. In their third and final group match, Tonga upset New Zealand 28–22 after trailing 16–2 at half-time. This marked the first time since the introduction of
4800-419: The most tries in a season. In December 2010, former Newcastle player Chris Houston was cleared of all drug charges and re-signed with the club for two years. In March 2011, Newcastle were officially taken over by mining magnate Nathan Tinkler after a member's vote in which Tinkler won by 97%. In April 2011, Newcastle confirmed the signing of Wayne Bennett . The Knights finished 8th in 2011, being eliminated in
4880-616: The previous Newcastle based team, the Newcastle Rebels had departed the Sydney competition with the formation of a separate league competition based in the Newcastle region . The club has won the premiership twice (1997 and 2001) and is one of only two clubs (the other being the Wests Tigers ) that has never lost a grand final in which it has participated. Notable players include: Paul Harragon , Robbie O'Davis , Danny Buderus and rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns . The team's home ground
SECTION 60
#17328581625064960-552: The remainder of the year. The team failed to click and won only 10 of their 24 games to finish 12th. During the year, the club signed Willie Mason and Dane Gagai . Newcastle finished 7th on the ladder and making the third week of the finals by beating the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne in the second week of the finals. Newcastle were defeated the following week by the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final 40–14. In round 3 of
5040-413: The room. Everyone knows how passionate I was about that club. I signed three years for a reason because I wanted to stay there to be a part of the changes that were going to come. Things changed, and what happened was out of my control." Ofahengaue made his debut for Parramatta as a starting prop for their round 13 match against North Queensland . He sustained a calf injury within the first ten minutes and
5120-425: The tiered-nation system that a tier-two team defeated a tier-one team, and the first time since Wales defeated England 18–16 in 1995 if applied retroactively. Tonga beat Lebanon 24–22 in a hard-fought quarter-final, and then lost 18–20 to England in the semi-final. England were leading 20–0 with 8 minutes remaining until Tonga scored three tries in quick succession, however, a contentious refereeing decision in
5200-437: The top 8. However, with a long-term injury to Mitchell Pearce, the side won only four of their remaining 12 matches to finish 11th. 2019 saw the arrival of forwards David Klemmer and Tim Glasby , boosting the team's forward pack. After winning their opening match, Newcastle lost five consecutive games before reversing their fortunes with five consecutive victories to reach 4th place. The Knights would finish in 11th place. In
5280-415: The tournament, several players publicly reaffirmed their allegiance to the Tongan team as the media speculated whether they would return to their tier-one nations, assuming they were to be welcomed back. Addin Fonua-Blake also announced his intention to represent Tonga after playing for New Zealand at the World Cup, commenting "I really enjoyed my time with the Kiwis but it just didn't feel like home." As
5360-460: The wooden spoon for a second consecutive season, and third overall. 2017 was the Knights' 30th year in the NRL where they finished last again, claiming their third Wooden Spoon in a row. In December 2017, the Newcastle Knights expressed their interest in applying for a licence to participate in the inaugural NRL Women's season. In November 2017, the club was sold to The Wests Group ,
5440-406: Was announced that the club's longest serving coach, Michael Hagan would depart the club following the 2006 season to begin a three-year contract with the Parramatta Eels . Ironically, during the week of the 2006 season-opening game against Parramatta, the Newcastle outfit confirmed Parramatta coach Brian Smith would take over coaching duties in 2007. The 2007 NRL season was a year of turmoil for
5520-582: Was attended by King Tupou VI , 29 November 2018 was declared a public holiday in Tonga as Mate Ma'a Tonga Day and the entire Tongan squad was invited to the Royal Palace . Every player was honoured as Knight Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III for their contribution to sports. At the conclusion of the tournament, Tonga jumped to 4th in the RLIF world rankings. After
5600-476: Was delayed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The team won all three group games, before falling 18-20 against Samoa in a 'classic' quarter-final that was lauded for its 'athleticism, power and superb ball-handling skills'. Tonga's kit suppliers are ISC since 2018. Classic (1995 RLWC), Mitre (2000 RLWC), Kombat (2004–2005), KooGa (2006–2012) and FI-TA (2013–2018) were previous suppliers. As of 2019,
5680-450: Was described as having, "arguably the best year of his career". One of two players to appear in every game of Wests Tigers season, he was awarded the Kelly-Barnes Medal as the best player for the club. At season's end, Ofahengaue signed a contract extension to remain at the club until the end of 2025. Incoming coach Tim Sheens said, "We’ve brought several younger players through the pathways this season, with more to come, and Joe has played
5760-454: Was immediately informed of the incident and the Broncos are working with authorities on the matter". On 28 February, Ofahengaue was suspended for two matches by Brisbane. Brisbane CEO Paul White spoke to the media saying, "The Broncos took the decision to stand down the player after taking into consideration that it was not his first driving offence in recent years. Joe is really disappointed in himself and very remorseful for what he has done. As
5840-698: Was introduced to the nation of Tonga in 1986 many players of Tongan birth or heritage have gone on to attain notability by participating in NRL or Super League , or both. Additionally many Tongan heritage players have represented other nations (mainly Australia or New Zealand ) in addition to Tonga. A list of seventeen former notable Tongan heritage players below that have played in NRL & Super League all played internationally for Tonga, with twelve of them also having played for other nations. The following table underneath shows Tonga's all-time rugby league results record up to 10 November 2024. Matches include those played as
5920-451: Was labelled one of the greatest upsets in rugby league history, marking the first time Australia had lost to a tier 2 nation since 1978. Jason Taumalolo rated the win above his 2015 NRL Grand Final victory with the North Queensland Cowboys . Tonga competed at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, having qualified automatically as semi-finalists of the 2017 tournament. The tournament
6000-627: Was languishing in the Queensland Cup , playing for the Souths Logan Magpies for the rest of the year after round 21. Ofahengaue finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing in 16 matches and scoring 1 try. Ofahengaue had to appear in court in April after he was caught on CCTV footage cheating in a game of poker at the Treasury Casino by slipping a $ 100 chip under a $ 15 chip while the dealer
6080-504: Was looking away and later copped a $ 400 fine with no conviction of fraud. In round 8 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs , Ofahengaue made his return to the Broncos top squad, playing off the interchange bench in the 25-24 win at ANZ Stadium . On 8 May 2017, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against Fiji in a Pacific Test, starting at lock in the 26-24 win at Campbelltown Stadium . On 19 June 2017, Ofahengaue extended his contract with
6160-707: Was sacked after a string of disappointing results, and Danny Buderus would coach for the remainder of the 2015 season. In round 26 against Penrith, Newcastle went down 30–12 to claim their second wooden spoon. In September 2015, Newcastle signed Nathan Brown to a three-year contract to coach starting from 2016. During the 2016 season, the club debuted 11 players in the NRL, while losing co-captain Tariq Sims midway through to year to go to St. George Illawarra. Against Cronulla in round 10, Newcastle were defeated 62–0, their biggest defeat at home and second biggest defeat in history. Newcastle would only win one game all year, to claim
6240-588: Was selected in the Queensland Maroons emerging squad. In February, he was involved in the Maroons camp breach as he was one of the designated drivers alongside Dale Copley as they were with 8 other players such as Anthony Milford , Cameron Munster , Valentine Holmes and Dylan Napa who broke the camp midnight curfew and partied on into the night after a drinking session at the Story Bridge Hotel. Ofahengaue and Copley, however weren’t banned. In round 7 against
6320-550: Was served with notice to attend court on charges of supplying ecstasy and cocaine . He was stood down indefinitely. June 2010 signalled a good period for the Knights after they confirmed the signings of 2009 Toyota Cup Player of the Year Beau Henry on a three-year contract, 2009 Toyota Cup Centre of the Year Siuatonga Likiliki on a two-year contract and former Australian international prop Antonio Kaufusi on
6400-413: Was taken from the field. Ofahengaue was later ruled out for an indefinite period. Ofahengaue played a total of 11 matches for Parramatta in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 10th and missed the finals. In round 6 of the 2024 NRL season , Ofahengaue scored his try for Parramatta in their 27-20 victory over North Queensland. He made 24 appearances for Parramatta throughout the year as the club endured
#505494