Full Name: Villiami (Willie) Sione Tonga Player #: 641
Date of Birth: August 8, 1983 Junior Club: Cherbourg Hornets
Height: 183cm NRL Debut: 2002 Vs Roosters
Weight: 98kg Club Debut: 2002 Vs Roosters
Position/s: Centre
Born in Canberra, Tonga's family moved to New South Wales where he began playing for Cootamundra. The family then moved to La Perouse where he took up playing Rugby Union for Matraville Sports High School. The family finally settled in the Aboriginal town of Cherbourg in Queensland.
Tonga moved down to Parramatta after being scouted by legendary forward Arthur Beetson. He made a low key debut for Parramatta in 2002. He made 8 appearances for the Eels in the 2002 and 2003 seasons. He then moved to the Bulldogs after struggling to hold a starting position at Parramatta. He announced himself as a star in 2004 when he had an outstanding season. He was named Dally M centre of the year, played for Queensland in State of Origin and was part of the Bulldogs' Premiership winning side. In 2005 he made his debut for Australia in their Tri-Nations campaign. After several seasons marred by injury, Tonga announced he had signed for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2009. He re-visited his form of old and represented Queensland again in Games 2 and 3, replacing the injured Justin Hodges.
In 2010, Tonga's impressive form continued. He played all 3 games for the Maroons and earned a recall to the Australian side for their Four-Nations campaign. 2011 saw another injury marred campaign for Tonga. However, he did manage to represent Queensland for another game. He was selected for Australia's Four-Nations campaign once again but was injured in the first match. He announced he was re-joining the Eels in 2012 and this was widely welcomed by Senior players, management and fans, some who believed that Parra should never have let go the Cherbourg junior in the first place.
Tonga enjoyed limited game time in 2012, mainly due to injury. He did however experience his first win in the Blue and Gold against Manly in Round 5. He was in the frame to represent Queensland once again but was injured before selection. With the rise of young juniors Tonga will have a battle on his hands to hold his spot in the starting side. With the arrival of Ricky Stuart, Tonga will look to show the form of old and impress his new coach.
