Rugby League News

Castleford Tigers man Mahe Fonua locks in Super League club for 2023

by
Callum Walker
September 8, 2022

Mahe Fonua has locked in his Super League club for 2023.

A further third-year option to retain Fonua’s services at Castleford remains in the Club’s favour.

The 29-year-old Tongan international has been an ever-present in his first season for the Fords in 2022, featuring in all 29 matches, scoring five tries and setting up a further four in assists.

The two-time Challenge Cup winner and Super League Dream Team member, Fonua is thrilled to be staying at the Tigers where he has made himself feel very much at home at Wheldon Road.

“I’m really excited, it was an easy choice for me and I’m very grateful that the club felt the same way,” Founa told castlefordtigers.com.

“I feel like I’ve found my feet again and got that fire in my belly again here at Castleford, so I’m thrilled to be here for another year and hopefully we can have plenty more good moments together.

“Going into 2023 I hope to have a consistent year and we’ll be fighting to get some silverware.”

“We should be able to ruffle some feathers in the competition next year with the squad that we’ve got.” – Mahe Fonua

Back in June, Mahe represented Tonga as part of the Combined Nations All Stars against England in a mid-season international, and he has enjoyed making even more memories with the Tigers in this campaign.

“Being part of that Easter period and winning all three games that was pretty big, the atmosphere at all our home games, every time we play at The Jungle there’s always a good turnout for us and I love the atmosphere the fans provide when we run out. The teammates too that I’ve made this past season – those are the things that stand out to me.”

Fonua will remain working under Lee Radford then in 2023, the coach with whom he won two Challenge Cups, and he is excited to build on the relationships he has established this year and make new ones with the incoming players for next season.

“I’ve said it before, it was an easy decision for me to come over and link up with Radford, I think he gets the best footy out of me. To be playing under him again, it’s going to be another good experience and I’m very grateful.

“I’ve been part of a good squad this year and some of the boys that are coming in next year I’m excited to play alongside them. We should be able to ruffle some feathers in the competition next year with the squad that we’ve got.”

Castleford Tigers Head Coach Lee Radford has been pleased with what Mahe has bought to his team, stating his move to join has greatly benefited both him as a player and our First Team.

“The biggest compliment I can pay to Mahe is that previously you would get an eight out of ten performance from him but then a three out of ten the week after. I think he is a steady seven and a half every week and I think that is a credit to him for the work he’s doing off the field, and how settled he feels at the club as well.

“I really enjoy working with Mahe, always have, and I’m really glad personally that we are getting the best out of him. He’s a recognisable character and I think he is a known face in Super League, you name Mahe Fonua to a rugby fan 90% would know who he is. He’s been really good for Castleford, and I think Castleford has been really good for him.”