Big move as Tonga goes to Helensvale
MIDWAY through Surfers Paradise’s second straight undefeated Gold Coast District Rugby Union premiership, Tonga Lea’aetoa knew he was ready for a change.
The former Tongan international prop co-coached the Dolphins to complete and utter domination, with their winning streak sitting at 37 games ahead of the 2018 season.
But Lea’aetoa could be the man to stop that streak, having jumped ship to playercoach rivals Helensvale in a monumental off-season move.
“Halfway through last year (the 2017 season) I think I sort of knew that I needed a new challenge but obviously we were still progressing with the campaign at Surfers, so I didn’t want to distract everyone,” he said.
“Then the week grand final I knew.
“I spoke to Karl (Wernham) and Josh James at Helensvale and I just asked them what are your plans for the future at Hogs and they asked me ‘what are you planning’? of the
“It just started like that over a beer. It just came to fruition that we all wanted the same thing.”
For Lea’aetoa, a switch to the Hogs made sense.
He lives in Helensvale and his close friend and former Test teammate Pierre Hola plays for the club.
“On a personal note it would be good to sign off with him here. I want to play together again before I retire,” Lea’aetoa said.
And as important as anything was the “challenge”.
Lea’aetoa felt he had taken the Dolphins as far as he could; the one-sidedness of the competition was starting to take a toll and his new club are still chasing an elusive premiership.
“If anything we’re probably going to make Gold Coast rugby an even better environment for kids to play at instead of just having one dominant force,” he said.
The Hogs have been a regular finals contender in recent years and made the 2014 decider but are yet to add a first grade title to their trophy cabinet.
Lea’aetoa feels he can help change that next year.
It will, however, be an odd feeling coming up against the players with whom he built a dynasty at Albert Park.
“I’d be lying if I said wouldn’t,” he said.
The new season kicks off on March 10.
IT JUST STARTED LIKE THAT OVER A BEER. IT JUST CAME TO FRUITION THAT WE ALL WANTED THE SAME THING TONGA LEA’AETOA
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