WEDNESDAY JUNE 21, 2006
TWO MORE YEARS FOR TONGA
Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs centre Willie Tonga has agreed to terms with the Club and will be wearing the blue-and-white strip until at least the end of the 2008 season.
Tonga, an Australian and Queensland representative, was a member of the Bulldogs' 2004 Premiership-winning side.
Commenting on the signing, Bulldogs CEO Malcolm Noad said, "This is fantastic news. There's no doubt he would have received more money had he gone to the open market, but Willie has shown great strength of character and great loyalty to his teammates, coaches and supporters in making his decision to stay."
Willie Tonga, 22, said, "I've spent a lot of time out of football over the last 18 months. The Club has been very good to me and I felt I owed everyone there, particularly my mates. I think this team can achieve some big things this year and beyond.
"Now that my future is settled my immediate goal is to get back to playing this season. There is no doubt that being part of this Bulldogs side improves my chances of getting back to representative football."
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said, "When Willie is fully fit and in form he is one of the best centres in the competition. It's obviously a great boost for the Club that he'll be with us for a few more years."
Tonga joined the Bulldogs from Parramatta in 2004 and has played 44 first grade games in the blue-and-white jersey. He has played two State of Origin games for Queensland and six tests for Australia.
Source:
www.bulldogs.com.au
