I had Willie Tonga on the podcast this week. Some really interesting insights into his time at Parra particularly around a pretty toxic relationship with Brian Smith.
Podcast free to listen to at https://www.talkingwithtk.com/single-post/Willie-Tonga or search Talking with TK on your podcast app.
Full topic list is below. Enjoy
3:00 – Welcome Willie Tonga
3:28 – His real name and how he became William
5:13 – His Indigenous and Tongan background
8:10 – Being embraced in Cherbourg, Queensland
9:00 – Eye opener as a youngster growing up
10:16 – His brothers Esi & Sione and how discipline was the game changer
13:20 – State of Origin his first rep jersey
15:41 – His love for Rugby Union
17:00 – Being spotted by Noel Cleal
17:26 – How he learnt his in and away
19:52 – His explosive first 15 metres
21:50 – Why he rejected rugby union for the Parramatta Eels
25:49 – Coming down to Sydney and wanting to repeat year 12 at Terra Sancta
27:58 – His shyness
30:00 – Adjusting to Sydney and nearly going home
31:15 – Being scared of the mind games of Brian Smith
34:01 – Driven by people that you can’t make it
35:29 – First grade debut against the Roosters
40:29 – Moving to Bulldogs without ever winning a game of first grade
42:17 – Steve Folkes
44:12 – Why the Bulldogs culture was so special
48:30 – His combination with Matt Utai
50:17 – Finally winning his first game
52:11 – Getting called up to his first State of Origin
55:13 – Playing with Queensland legends
56:30 – Darren Lockyer
1:01:22 – Mark O’Meley weirdness
1:02:55 – Why he didn’t drink till he was 20
1:05:33 – The pact to not speak about Coffs Harbour
1:07:41 – Feelings towards Johnathan Thurston releasing his book
1:09:34 – His body post retirement and dark days
1:12:45 – The challenge to make a comeback
1:13:50 – Reni Maitua situation and how he handled it after
1:18:27 – The comeback with the Cowboys
1:23:45 – Mal Meninga, the man manager
1:26:25 – Why he should of got dropped from the Queensland Origin team
1:32:30 – Why the fire and love for rugby league has be reignited
1:40:33 – Flashbacks and coaching
1:42:11 – Will Chambers & Latrell Mitchell
Replies
Big interview, covered it all.
Cheers mate hope you enjoyed it
It was interesting how Brian Smith treated him no wonder we never won a Grand final with him as coach. Sounds like he was a real pain . I hope he never comes back to.the club.