Maroubra Eel
Coach
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Oh yeah he also said he is looking forward to playing with the Canterbury boys. Something about winning a comp with Reni in 2004.
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http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...ut-of-townsville/story-e6frep5x-1226122433766Why Cowboys star Willie Tonga had to get out of Townsville
- Peter Badel
- From: The Courier-Mail
- August 26, 2011 12:00AM
QUEENSLAND star Willie Tonga has dismissed speculation a fallout with coach Neil Henry was behind his shock decision to quit the Cowboys and join Parramatta.
Breaking his silence with The Courier-Mail, Tonga opened up about his relationship with Henry, his inability to settle in Townsville and his desire to help rebuild the embattled Eels alongside brother Esi and fellow Cherbourg product Chris Sandow next year.
Last November it was reported Tonga's manager Isaac Moses had started shopping his client around the National Rugby League amid suggestions the Maroons centre was unhappy playing under Henry.
But Tonga says his sense of isolation in north Queensland, rather than any ill feeling towards Henry, was behind his decision to seek a release from the final year of his contract.
"I don't have a problem with Neil at all," Tonga said.
"My relationship with him is fine.
"It's no different to any other player-coach relationship. He'll tell me when I'm out of line when he thinks I am and that's what a coach does.
"I can honestly say I don't have an issue at all with Neil."
Just turned 28, Tonga can understand why some would raise eyebrows at his wanting out of the Cowboys.
He joined the club in 2009 desperate to revive his career after two injury plagued years at the Bulldogs and has since reclaimed his Origin and Test status.
Tonga says the problem is not the club itself, but his battle to settle into the Townsville way of life. He revealed that earlier this season he met with Cowboys football manager Peter Parr to outline his concerns.
"From the whole time I've been up there, to be honest, I just haven't felt comfortable," he said.
"I haven't been able to call Townsville home.
"It's a shame it hasn't worked out because football-wise I am happy. It's a great club. It's going to be sad to leave but I'm looking forward to next year.
"I spoke to Parry earlier this year. I sat down and I told him how I was feeling. He understood that and respected that.
"I really respected him for allowing me to look around to see what was available because he could have easily said no. That's the type of bloke he is.
"It was a lot to do with family. I've got no family here and it gets tough at times when you don't have that support.
Yeah but I'd be broke from all the coins I threw at Judas
Retired due to arthritis in his knee, runs a fitness centre for a church group in manly.
how good is this he's a rep player for us already
