Antonio Kaufusi

Originally from Tonga, the Kaufusi clan settled in Bundaberg, after Antonio's father drove north from Brisbane in search of the perfect place to live, and decided Bundaberg, on the Burnett River, was the place to raise a family.

Antonio played junior rugby league for Brothers in Bundaberg, before completing his schooling at Nudgee College, Brisbane, where he played rugby union. He was signed by Melbourne Storm, making his NRL debut in 2003. Kaufusi cemented his place in first grade in 2006, playing front row in the grand final loss to Brisbane.

He was then chosen in Australia's Tri-Nations squad, playing a Test against Great Britain, before he had played State of Origin for Queensland. His Maroons' debut came the following year, in Game I of the series at Suncorp Stadium. But Kaufusi suffered a season ending knee injury in the 25-18 win over the Blues.

In 2008, Kaufusi represented Tonga, the country of his birth, in the World Cup.

Kaufusi joined North Queensland Cowboys in 2009, before linking with Newcastle Knights mid-way through the 2010 season, with Knights' coach, Rick Stone asking him to take a leadership role. In 2012, Kaufusi moved to England, spending two seasons with London and one with Huddersfield. The stint at Huddersfield included a four match 'loan' deal with Bradford.

It was special for him to play for Queensland.

Felise Kaufusi FOG #195

In 2012, Kaufusi represented 'The Exiles' against England at St Helens. He returned to the NRL with the Canterbury in 2015, making seven appearances for the Bulldogs, before announcing his retirement at season's end, due to injury. 

Kaufusi finished his rugby league career having made 151 NRL appearances and 79 in Super League. He is still closely associated with the code as long serving coach of 'Across the Waves' in his home town, Bundaberg, and also coaches the Wide Bay's Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Cup side. Antonio is the older brother of Melbourne Storm's Queensland State of Origin and Australian Test forward, Felise Kaufusi.