Promising prop Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga says he is “fully committed” to St George Illawarra just weeks after requesting permission to explore his options, admitting the situation could have been avoided with better communication from both parties.
Tonga’s manager Craig Clifton last month said his client’s NRL snubbing for the opening six rounds of the season was “demoralising” and “detrimental” to his wellbeing in a scathing letter to Dragons officials that was obtained by this masthead. The NSW under-19s State of Origin forward is contracted until the end of next year, but half a dozen clubs were ready to pounce if he came onto the open market.
Clifton wrote that it had “become evident that his continued tenure at the Dragons is no longer tenable or beneficial for either party”, that Tonga’s concerns were not addressed and seized upon comments made by then coach Shane Flanagan that there was no one better to be promoted into the winless side as proof that his client wasn’t valued.
The Dragons knocked back the request, and Tonga returned to first grade shortly after. Tonga then retained his spot in the team for the Anzac Day clash against the Roosters after Dean Young replaced Flanagan as coach.
Speaking for the first time about the situation, Tonga said he was ready to fulfil his contractual obligations.
“I’m fully committed to the Dragons,” Tonga told this masthead. “I need to be playing first grade to keep developing as a player, and it was frustrating at the time. I’m just doing everything I can to help the team and try to get us a win. There was a period there where I wasn’t sure where I stood, but it’s good to be back in first grade.
“The communication could have been better at the time and that is partly on me … I wasn’t really sure where I was at, I wasn’t really hearing much [from the club] and the whole thing could have been handled differently.
“I’m just focused on doing my best and being the best player I can be.”
Tonga wasn’t chosen in the touring party for the club’s season-opening game in Las Vegas and only got recalled to first grade after Clifton’s release request.
“It was hard, there’s only so much you can develop in [NSW] Cup,” he said. “You’re always trying to take your game to the next level, and it can be hard to do that when you’re not in the NRL. I’ve got such a long way to go, and I’m just working hard to get to where I need to be.”
Several rival clubs are watching Tonga’s situation with interest, but his focus for now is adding to his 12 first-grade appearances.
“I’m just really focused on this year with the Dragons, and then we will get to November 1 and see what happens,” he said.
“I’m just worried about trying to get some wins because it’s been a tough start to the year. The boys are all trying hard. Hopefully the results will come.”
It’s been a disrupted season for Tonga, who had to deal with a neck scare during a training incident in March. The Bankstown Bulls junior was placed in a neck brace and rushed to hospital in an ambulance amid fears of a serious injury.
“It was pretty scary,” he said. “I just got into a tackle with one of the boys. I didn’t want anyone to know about it when it happened … but [precautionary measures were required]. It ended up being all good.”
Tonga has a close relationship with Willie Talau, who was recently promoted from NSW Cup to Young’s first grade assistant. And while Young has been in charge for just one game as an interim head coach, the hulking 116kg, 196cm front-rower feels he can turn around a 12-game winless streak stretching back to last year.
“[Young] just knows how to fill you with confidence before games,” he said.
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