Former Hull FC and Castleford Tigers winger Mahe Fonua has called time on his career as a professional rugby league player. Fonua had been playing in the Queensland Cup with Mackay Cutters this year, but he has brought the curtain down on his time as player, it has been confirmed.
A post by the Queenland Cup’s Instagram account confirmed Fonua’s decision to retire, with the 32-year-old leaving the Cutters, where he has spent the last two seasons. The former Tonga international made 20 appearances for the Cutters in total, but this season seems have been disrupted by injury, making just four outings for the club.
Fonua made more than 200 first grade appearances over the course of his career and that figure included 71 outings in the NRL. His career started with Melbourne Storm, where he played 50 times and won a World Club Challenge over Leeds Rhinos. He also spent time at Wests Tigers, in between spells at Hull FC.
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Super League fans will know him best for his time at the MKM Stadium, with Fonua spending 2016 and 2017 with the Black and Whites where he scored 30 tries in 58 games. He returned to Hull in 2020 but struggled for consistency and form in his second stint.
The winger moved to Castleford Tigers for the 2022 season but he scored just five tries in 39 games for the Tigers. He also had a short stint with Doncaster during his time in Yorkshire before he made the move back down under.
Fonua is one of several ex-Super League players currently working in Kenny Edwards’ League Kings Academy programme. Edwards set up the academy in Mackay, Queensland and has been bringing in a number of recognisable former players as coaches to offer their expertise and work with those youngsters aspiring to play professionally. Ex-Hull FC man Manu Ma’u is also working as a coach with League Kings Academy.
The academy has a strong relationship with Souths Sharks and Fonua has turned out for the Sharks this year, too.
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