Mahe Fonua: Former Castleford back finds new club in Australia as ‘marquee’ signing
Mahe Fonua tackles Hull FC opposition Liam Sutcliffe. Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images.
Former Castleford Tigers outside-back Mahe Fonua has signed with the Mackay Cutters on a two-year deal from the 2024 campaign.
The Queensland Cup outfit announced the signing on Monday, with Fonua having left the Mend-A-Hose Jungle last week with immediate effect.
The former Tonga international scored six tries in 29 appearances for the Tigers after arriving from Hull ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Fonua cited his young family back in Australia as his reasons for departing, and has quickly found a club to continue his career.
Mahe Fonua finds new club
Mackay Cutters posted on social media: “The Mackay Cutters are delighted to announce the signing of marquee player Mahe Fonua for seasons 2024 & 2025.
“Mahe is a powerful outside-back who made his debut with the Melbourne Storm in 2012.
“His impressive career includes a total of 71 NRL games and 131 Super League games as well as representing Tonga in six internationals.
“His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our young squad as we continue to build for the future.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Mahe and his family to Mackay later this year to begin his journey with the Cutters!”
Fonua won the Challenge Cup twice with the Black & Whites, having enjoyed two stints at the MKM Stadium.
He first represented the club in 2016 across two seasons before returning to Australia with Wests Tigers, where he made 21 appearances and scored six tries.
The centre or winger later returned to Super League again with Hull for the 2020 season under then-head coach Lee Radford.
Mackay Cutters currently sit second from bottom of the Queensland Cup table, with just two wins in 18. The Souths Logan Magpies sit at the top with 13 victories.