Bulldogs History Database
Willie Tonga
| Player # | 658 |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Tong |
| Position | Centre |
| Height | 183cm |
| Weight | 98kg |
| DOB | 8th Aug 1983 |
| Origin | Canberra, ACT |
| Junior Club | Cherborg Hornets |
| Debut | 2004: Round 1 vs Parramatta |
| Other Clubs | Parramatta, North Queensland |
| Rep | QLD(8), Aus(12) |
An explosive centre who took the NRL by storm in season 2004 with 18 tries in his 27 appearances in the blue-and-white.
His footwork and acceleration has stood up many opponents over the past few seasons and at his best, he is more than a handful.
Willie Tonga played eight games for Parramatta as a centre before joining the Bulldogs in 2004.
After making his first grade debut for the 'Dogs in his opening match against his former club, he went on to become a regular member of the NRL team. He was selected for Queensland and Australia in his initial season with the Bulldogs.
Willie has played two games for Queensland in 2004 and has played seven Tests for Australia.
Willie played in the 2004 Premiership winning team against the Roosters at centre.
In 2005, Willie's season was ruined by a knee injury. In 2006, Willie returned to become a regular member of the NRL team but was injured just before the finals, missing the final series.
In 2007, Tonga missed just three games, scoring five tries and producing the most line breaks for the Bulldogs with 18, two ahead of his counterpart Daryl Millard.
Tonga played a total of 1,668 minutes and gained 2,185 metres from 252 hitups.
In 2008 Willie played just seven games after succumbing to injury.
In 2009 Willie joined the North Queensland Cowboys and managed to score their opening try of the season against the Broncos.
On 1st August 2015, Willie was named in the team of the decade as part of the clubs 80th Year celebrations.
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