Alianna Tonu’u is one of the enforcers of the Manly Sea Eagles pack in our debut season in the Harvey Norman NSW Women's Premiership.
We caught up with Alianna to learn more about her ahead of the clash against the Newcastle Knights at 4 Pines Park on Sunday, July 21, at 1.45pm in the curtain raiser to the NRL.
Player Profile
Name: Alianna Tonu’u
DOB: 20/1/2006
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Position: Prop/lock
Nickname: Anna
What's your favorite rugby league memory growing up?
Making my first ever rep team (Auckland Vulcans U13s) and scoring a hat-trick. Making NZ school rep teams and club team.
Who are your favourite rugby league players in NRL or NRLW?
Mele Hufunga (Broncos); Annessa Biddle (Sharks)
What does it mean to you to be part of the first Manly Harvey Norman’s Women’s team?
It means a lot, just being here in general. Our God is truly good. It's been a privilege nothing less. I'm so grateful for this blessing and being able to show my God given talent! This could be a career in a way to help my family financially.
Funniest team-mate?
Lavinia Tauhalaliku. She just cracks me up. I love her vibe and everything about her. She's also a gun player and a real workhorse.
What are your goals this season?
Just improving my skills and to never take any opportunity for granted. I also want to earn an NRLW development contract.
Tell us about your family and any special achievements?
I'm the second eldest of five girls. My parents are of Samoan and Tongan descent. They are my rock, my biggest supporters, and critics in two
Who is your hero?
My parents. They sacrificed a lot for me and my sisters, but mainly myself. Making a team also comes with financial costs like travelling, so I can't thank them enough.
What's your favorite movie and why?
Equalizer films with Denzel Washington. He brings justice to those families and people who have been treated wrongly
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
You may see by my size that I enjoy eating and sleeping! I like spending time with my loved ones as I hate being alone.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
I'm a sleep in person.
Coach Keith Hanley says:
"Anna was an outstanding front-rower for us in this year's Tarsha Gale Cup team. She has been an age group representative player for New Zealand. Her capacity to learn little bits of pieces of technique as well as trying to find a pass or offload will compliment her physical strength and the carry she already has, as well as her really strong defence."
Missed a player?
Getting to know Tayla Montgomery
Getting to know Lavinia Tauhalaliku
Getting to know Shontelle Stowers
