By Nick Wright
Dolphins coach-in-waiting Kristian Woolf believes a harsh reality check has proven the catalyst for Felise Kaufusi’s career renaissance, fighting his way from State of Origin outcast to Maroons saviour.
After being activated as 18th man in Queensland’s game-one triumph, following a concussion to fullback Reece Walsh, Kaufusi has been recalled onto coach Billy Slater’s bench in place of the injured J’Maine Hopgood (back).
Felise Kaufusi has been recalled to the Maroons game day 17 for Game Two.Credit: Getty
The 32-year-old dominated the highlight reels in the Dolphins’ opening exchanges last season courtesy of some clinical tackles, but that aggression eventually drew the ire of the NRL judiciary.
Suspended for the four weeks leading up to Slater naming his first squad, he endured a disrupted campaign from that point, as the rise of Maroons prospects including Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki, and Brendan Piakura looked to end his days on rugby league’s greatest stage.
Kaufusi’s time on the sidelines culminated in the Dolphins slide down the ladder – as did a host of other injury concerns – and Woolf felt that experience had shaped the hard-nosed forward into the more consistent player now on show.
Woolf, who will take the reins at the club next season, has also coached Kaufusi for Tonga, and said the decision to shift him from the edge to prop had enabled him to adopt a more controlled style of aggression.
“Last year he had some really good games, he started the season really well, then had a bit of disruption through some injury and some suspension, and probably didn’t come back playing quite the same footy after that,” Woolf said.
“He’s very aware we’re a better team when he’s on the field, and he’s seen the influence he had last year when he was on the field and when he wasn’t on the field.
“I think he’s been very conscious of that, and I think moving into the middle suits that a little bit as well and allows him to be a little bit more aggressive with things being a little more in front of him.
“He was disappointed not to make Origin, and this year he’s been a lot more consistent. You’d have to ask him, but I’d be pretty sure he had that drive to get back in there, and the disappointment he showed last year certainly suggests that as well.”
Felise Kaufusi got on the scoresheet for Queensland in Perth in 2022 but was omitted from the side in 2023.Credit: Getty Images
An injury crisis in the Dolphins’ ranks ultimately sparked Kaufusi’s move to the middle, as Tom Gilbert (ACL) and Tom Flegler (shoulder) succumbed to long-term setbacks.
The Melbourne Storm premiership-winner issued a timely reminder of his strength up front on Thursday night, taking on Cronulla’s giant pack to the tune of 147 running metres, while his quick play the ball speed (2.87 seconds) afforded halfback Isaiya Katoa the time and space to thrive.
“It was a little bit of a necessity I suppose, he started the year on the edge and was doing a good job there too, but with Flegler and Gilbert out for long-term injuries we were a little bit short in the middle,” Woolf said.
“He started as a middle – people tend to forget that – but he’s moved back in, and I think it’s allowed him to use his aggression, front load his efforts and front load his energy a little bit more.”
Kaufusi’s inclusion puts mid-season recruit Tevita Pangai Junior in line to replace him for the Dolphins’ clash with the Storm on Friday night.
Pangai Junior, who walked away from the NRL to pursue boxing last year, is hoping to overcome a minor hamstring concern, but declared it was “feeling good”.
While the 28-year-old and Kaufusi never crossed paths in their respective time in the Tonga camp, he said his new teammate’s versatility and “intimidation factor” would prove a Queensland asset.
“I think Billy can see he can play middle and edge, and with his play the balls he didn’t get put on his back once last week,” Pangai Junior said.
“His intimidation factor can scare the Blues pack a bit too, so if I was playing for the Blues I probably wouldn’t run at him.”