John Fifita Explained

John Fifita
Birth Date:28 July 1959
Birth Place:Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Club1:St. George Dragons
Year1start:1984
Year1end:90
Appearances1:76
Tries1:5
Goals1:0
Fieldgoals1:0
Points1:20
Club2:Castleford
Year2start:1987
Year2end:88
Appearances2:24
Tries2:6
Goals2:0
Fieldgoals2:0
Points2:24
Teama:Tonga
Yearastart:1986
Yearaend:88
Source:[1]
New:yes

John Fifita (Tonga (Tonga Islands);: Sione Fifita) (born 28 July 1959) is a Tongan former professional rugby league footballer who represented Tonga in the 1986 Pacific Cup and played as a professional in England and Australia.

Playing career

Fifita played for the St George Dragons between 1984 and 1990, starting in 76 first grade matches for the club.[2]

In 1986 Fifita was part of the Tonga side that competed in the 1986 Pacific Cup.[3] He was named in the team of the tournament. He again represented Tonga at the 1988 Pacific Cup.

In the 1987/88 off-season Fifita travelled to England and played for the Castleford club.

Fifita played at in Castleford's 12-12 draw with Bradford Northern in the 1987 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1987–88 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 17 October 1987, and played at (replaced by Interchange Dean Sampson) in the 2-11 defeat by Bradford Northern in the 1987 Yorkshire Cup Final replay during the 1987–88 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 31 October 1987.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/John-Fifita/summary.html RLP
  2. Alan Whiticker/Glen Hudson: Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players, 1995.
  3. Book: John Coffey, Bernie Wood . 100 years: Māori rugby league, 1908-2008. Huia Publishers. 2008. 224–226. 978-1-86969-331-2.