Former Kangaroos, Maroons back Willie Tonga set to join Wests in the Illawarra competition
FORMER Kangaroos and Maroons outside back Willie Tonga has verbally agreed to join Wests in the Illawarra competition this season.
NRL
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FORMER Kangaroos and Maroons outside back Willie Tonga has verbally agreed to join Wests in the Illawarra competition this season.
Tonga’s addition is significant for the Red Devils, who recently secured the services of ex-Manly and Souths international Glenn Stewart.
The Canberra-born centre played 181 NRL games with Parramatta, Canterbury and North Queensland from 2002 to 2014.
He also represented Queensland on eight occasions, while he donned the green and gold of Australia 12 times.
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Tonga had spent the past three seasons in England with Catalans, Leigh and Bradford, but decided to return home and give back to country league.
Wests president Matt Reh will meet with the veteran centre next Monday to sign off on the deal.
Reh originally planned for Tonga to start training with the Red Devils on Tuesday, but he has given him time off to support his sick grandmother in Dubbo.
Wests are also in the process of helping the ex-NRL flyer find a job outside of football.
Reh hopes Tonga’s experience will help the Red Devils’ cast of young players and bring valuable exposure to Country Rugby League.
“We have a few young players, so Willie’s experience will be great for them,” Reh said.
“We are trying to build a strong team culture here and we believe he will add to that.”