Playing in his first season for Wests Tigers, a strong start to the season saw Joe Ofahengaue return to the State of Origin arena for Queensland in 2021.
Moving his family from Brisbane to Sydney before the season, Ofahengaue was eager for a fresh start and he immediately impressed on the footy field.
The representative forward played all but one game across the season, in which he recorded an average of 104 running metres, 31 tackle breaks, 27 offloads and made 583 tackles (avg. 25.3).
"Wests Tigers feels like home for me and I'm enjoying my time here," Ofahengaue said.
“The staff and everyone here have been awesome. Justin [Pascoe] the CEO has been very welcoming and ‘Madge’ [coach Michael Maguire] has been great for me. The players have also been so supportive.”
STAT ATTACK
Appearances — 23
Tries — 1
Total running metres — 2403 (avg. 104)
Post contact metres — 948 (avg. 41.2)
Tackle breaks — 31
Offloads — 27
Tackles made — 583 (avg. 25.3)
Tackle efficiency — 92%
NRL Fantasy points — 845 (avg. 36.7)
BEST TRY
Ofahengaue scored his first try for Wests Tigers in Round 5 against North Queensland.
Ofahengaue gives the Wests Tigers a glimmer of hope
WHAT WAS SAID
I didn't think about Origin. The only time I thought about it was when I said to myself if I get into this team then it is a bonus. I said to myself I would focus on being consistent and enjoying footy again. That's why when I got the call from Paul Green I was so shocked.
Joe Ofahengaue on his call-up to the Queensland team
STANDOUT PERFORMANCE
Ofahengaue put in the hard yards at Leichhardt Oval against the Cowboys in Round 5 when he recorded 148 metres, four tackles, one line-break and 32 tackles (1 missed).
He also scored a try late in the game to give his team hope, however the home side fell short in the end.
SOCIAL SCENE
Family always comes first!
2022 FORECAST
Ofahengaue will be ready to roll when he returns for pre-season in November and he'll be looking to build on his first season with Wests Tigers.
A strong start to the season could see him return to the Queensland side, however his sole focus will be on club footy as he aims to return to career-best form.
