Mackay Cutters have bolstered their Hostplus Cup stocks for 2024 with the signing of former Tonga international centre Mahe Fonua.
The power-running outside back has secured a two-year deal with the Cutters after successful stints in the English Super League with Hull FC and the Castleford Tigers.
Fonua, who played six Tests with Tonga, made his NRL debut with the Melbourne Storm and spent two seasons with the Wests Tigers before carving out a decorated career in the United Kingdom.
He won back-to-back Challenge Cups with Hull FC in his first spell in Super League before returning to the club for a second stint after two years at Wests Tigers.
Fonua has chalked up 71 NRL games – including 21 matches with Wests Tigers - and made 131 Super League appearances during an impressive career to date.
His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the Cutters’ young squad as they continue to build for the future.
In Hostplus Cup action last weekend the Cutters pushed the second placed Burleigh Bears all the way during a 24-10 loss at UAA Park on the Gold Coast.
The Bears jumped to an early 14-0 lead following tries by winger Dante Lusio, second rower Jacob Alick and centre Sami Sauiluma before utility forward Sean Mullaney nabbed a four pointer for the visitors.
Elusive back Flynn Camilleri kept Mackay in the hunt when he dashed over to score after the interval with Brandon Finnegan adding the extras.
Burleigh sealed victory with second half tries to Sauiluma and centre Kea Pere to stay one point behind competition leaders Souths Logan Magpies (34).
Mackay Colts played strongly to roll the Central Queensland Capras 30-22.
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