Hubbry Logo
Tesi NiuTesi NiuMain
Open search
Tesi Niu
Community hub
Tesi Niu
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Tesi Niu
Tesi Niu
Tesi Niu
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Fanitesi Niu (born 11 August 2001) is an Australian-born Tongan rugby league footballer. He plays as a winger or centre for the Leigh Leopards in the Super League. He previously played for the Dolphins and the Brisbane Broncos in the NRL. He also plays internationally for Tonga.

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Niu was born on 11 August 2001 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.[2] He was educated at Marsden State High School and played his junior rugby league for the Forest Lake Magpies.[3] He is a first cousin of David Fifita.[4]

Niu also represented the 2018 Australian Schoolboys.

Playing career

[edit]

2019

[edit]

Niu represented Tonga in 2019 Great Britain Lions tour making his international debut. He then played for Tonga 9s in the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s.[5]

Brisbane Broncos (2020–2022)

[edit]

On 4 June 2020, Niu made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos, coming off the interchange bench in a record 59–0 home defeat against the Sydney Roosters. On 27 June 2020, he made his starting debut at fullback against the Gold Coast Titans.

Niu made a total of six appearances for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season after suffering a season-ending wrist injury in round 10, as the club finished last on the table and claimed its first-ever wooden spoon.[6]

In round 16 of the 2021 NRL season, Niu scored two tries in a 26–18 victory over Cronulla-Sutherland.[7]

Niu played a total of ten games for Brisbane in the 2022 NRL season scoring three tries as the club finished 9th on the table and missed out on the finals.[8] In the third group game at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Niu scored a hat-trick for Tonga in their 92–10 victory over the Cook Islands at the Riverside Stadium.[9]

Dolphins (2023–24)

[edit]
Niu (left) and Connelly Lemuelu in 2024

Niu joined the newly-licensed Dolphins after he was granted an early release by Brisbane.[10][11][12] In round 1 of the 2023 NRL season, Niu made his club debut for the Dolphins in their inaugural game in the national competition, defeating the Sydney Roosters 28–18 at Suncorp Stadium. In round 3 of the 2023 NRL season, he became the first player in the Dolphins NRL history to score a hat-trick when they defeated the Newcastle Knights 36–20.[13] In total, Niu played seventeen games and scored five tries for the Dolphins in 2023. His contract was extended until the end of 2024.[14]

2024

[edit]

In round 7 of the 2024 NRL season, Niu scored two tries in the Dolphins 44–16 victory over Parramatta.[15] Following the end of the 2024 NRL season Niu turned out for feeder club Norths Devils and won the Queensland Cup with a 34-20 grand final victory over the Redcliffe Dolphins. Niu scored a double in the decider to earn the Duncan Hall medal for man of the match.[16] Two weeks later he also helped the Devils win the NRL State Championship against NSW Cup premiers the Newtown Jets.[17] Niu confirmed that he would move to the Leigh Leopards at the start of the 2025 season.[18]

2025

[edit]

Niu made his club debut for Leigh in round 1 of the 2025 Super League season against rivals Wigan. Leigh would win the match 1-0 in extra-time after the game finished 0-0 at the conclusion of 80 minutes.[19] Niu played 26 games for Leigh in the 2025 Super League season including their semi-final loss against arch-rivals Wigan.[20]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tesi Niu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Fanitesi Niu, commonly known as Tesi Niu, is an Australian-born professional footballer who represents internationally and plays as a centre or winger for the in the . Born on 11 August 2001 in , , Niu stands at 177 cm tall and weighs 94 kg, making him a versatile and athletic back known for his speed and try-scoring ability. Niu's professional career began in the (NRL) with the , where he made his debut in 2020 and played 32 games, scoring 11 tries over three seasons. He then moved to the Dolphins in 2023, contributing 24 appearances and 9 tries during their inaugural NRL seasons in 2023 and 2024. In October 2024, Niu signed a three-year contract with the , transitioning to the ahead of the 2025 season as a replacement for . Internationally, Niu has represented the Mate Ma'a since 2022, earning three Test caps with a perfect 100% win rate and scoring 4 tries, including a standout performance in the 2022 where he featured in two matches and tallied 4 tries. In his debut season with Leigh in 2025, Niu played 30 games and scored 12 tries across all competitions, and was recognized for his impact by winning the Black Card Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards. Prior to his NRL breakthrough, Niu honed his skills in the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) competitions, amassing 40 appearances and 18 tries across clubs like Souths Logan, Redcliffe, and Norths from 2019 to 2024. Overall, Niu has recorded 166 career appearances and 70 tries across professional and reserve-grade levels as of the end of 2025, establishing himself as a rising star in the sport.

Background

Early life

Fanitesi Niu was born on 11 August 2001 in , , . Niu is of descent, with both of his parents originating from . He is the first cousin of fellow player David Fifita, underscoring the strong family ties within the sport. Niu's early interest in was shaped by these familial connections, including backyard games against relatives like Fifita.

Junior and representative career

Niu attended Marsden State High School in , a renowned institution for developing talent, where he balanced his academic studies with intensive training in the sport. During his time there, he emerged as a standout player, contributing to the school's strong program that has produced numerous professional athletes. His early involvement in the sport began at the local level, playing junior for the Lake Magpies in Brisbane's western suburbs. Niu progressed through the club's ranks, showcasing his speed and skill as a fullback and outside back, which caught the attention of scouts. This foundation in community-based football helped build his competitive edge before transitioning to higher representative levels. In , Niu's talent was recognized nationally when he was selected for the , earning a spot among the country's top under-18 players. He represented on their tour of , contributing to the team's early successes including a 92–0 win over England Colleges, which highlighted his potential as a future professional. Later that year, in late , Niu signed a development contract with the , entering their elite player pathway and setting the stage for his ascent to the . This agreement marked a pivotal step, providing structured coaching and opportunities to refine his abilities within a professional environment.

Club career

Brisbane Broncos (2020–2022)

Niu made his NRL debut for the on 4 June 2020, coming off the bench in a 22–6 loss to the during the shortened affected season. He appeared in six games that year, primarily as a backline utility, without scoring a try as the Broncos struggled to a 3–14 record. In , Niu emerged as a key outside back, earning a extension through 2023 after a breakout season where he played 16 first-grade matches, scoring eight tries. He was consistently selected on the wing or in the centres, showcasing his speed and finishing ability, including a strong finish to the year that highlighted his potential as a long-term Broncos asset. The Broncos finished 13th, but Niu's performances, such as his try-scoring contributions in multiple games, demonstrated his growth from the club's development pathway. Niu featured in 10 games during the 2022 season, adding three tries while continuing to rotate between and centre positions amid a competitive backline. His notable efforts included powerful runs and defensive work, contributing to the Broncos' improved eighth-place finish and finals qualification, though they were eliminated in week one. Overall, across with , Niu played 32 first-grade games and scored 11 tries. At the conclusion of the 2022 season, the Broncos released Niu from the final year of his contract, allowing him to seek opportunities with other clubs.

Dolphins (2023–2024)

In January 2023, Tesi Niu was granted an early release from the final year of his contract to join the expansion Dolphins on a one-year deal ahead of their inaugural NRL season. This move allowed Niu, who had prior NRL experience with the Broncos, to adapt quickly to the new club's demands as a versatile outside back. During the 2023 season, Niu established himself as a key attacking threat for the Dolphins, playing primarily in the centres and on the wing. In Round 3, he scored the franchise's first-ever NRL in a 36–20 victory over the , crossing for three tries in a standout performance that highlighted his speed and finishing ability. Over 17 appearances that year, Niu contributed five tries, helping the Dolphins secure a competitive debut campaign. Niu extended his contract with the Dolphins in June 2023 through the end of the 2024 season, continuing as a primary outside back. In 2024, he featured in seven NRL games, scoring four tries and adding to his attacking output despite increased competition for backline positions. Across his two seasons with the club, Niu played 24 first-grade matches and scored nine tries in total. Later that year, while on loan to the Dolphins' feeder club, the Norths Devils, Niu played a pivotal role in their Hostplus Cup premiership win, scoring two tries in the grand final—a 34–20 defeat of the —and earning the Duncan Hall Medal as . The Devils then defeated the 20–18 in the , securing Niu's first domestic title outside the NRL. Niu's Dolphins contract expired at the end of 2024, paving the way for his departure to pursue opportunities overseas.

Leigh Leopards (2025–present)

In October 2024, Tesi Niu signed a three-year contract with the , moving from the Dolphins to join the club ahead of the 2025 season. The deal was announced on 12 October, with the club highlighting Niu's versatility as a back and his international experience with as key factors in the recruitment. Niu made his Super League debut for Leigh on 13 February 2025 against the Wigan Warriors, where he played primarily in the centre position. His prior experience in the NRL facilitated a swift adaptation to the European competition's style, which emphasizes structured play and physical defense compared to the faster-paced Australian game. Throughout the season, Niu demonstrated strong attacking prowess, ranking among the top metre-gainers in Super League with over 3,000 metres carried. By October 2025, Niu had appeared in 30 games for Leigh across all competitions, scoring 12 tries and earning recognition as the club's top try-scorer for the year. His defensive contributions were notable, with consistent tackling efficiency and powerful runs that bolstered Leigh's backline. Niu's performances stood out in high-stakes matches, including his contribution in the semi-final against rivals on 3 October, where he helped Leigh reach the despite a narrow 18–6 defeat. At the end of the season, Niu was awarded the Black Card Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year. Overall, Niu's debut season abroad was praised as one of the most impactful signings in 2025, blending explosive carries with reliable positioning. In January 2026, concerning social media activity appeared from Tesi Niu's account. Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont issued a statement indicating that the account had been accessed externally without Niu's consent. Beaumont stressed the club's priority on the welfare of Niu and any involved parties, following direct conversations with Niu and Kiana. The club confirmed that no formal complaint had been received by them or relevant authorities.

International career

Rugby league nines

Tesi Niu made his international debut for in the format at the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s, held in , . As an 18-year-old centre from the Brisbane Broncos' development system, Niu earned selection through his Tongan heritage, which qualified him for the Mate Ma'a Tonga Invitational side. This tournament marked his first taste of representative rugby, showcasing his speed and versatility in the fast-paced, seven-minute-half format. Niu featured in all three of Tonga's pool-stage matches in Pool C, playing against the , , and . He scored his sole try in the 20-24 loss to Samoa, crossing in the 14th minute to briefly narrow the deficit, while also contributing two try assists across the campaign. Defensively, Niu completed 13 tackles at a 68.4% efficiency rate, though Tonga struggled overall, failing to advance from the group stage after losses in all encounters. His performances in the nines tournament highlighted Niu's potential as a dynamic back, blending attacking flair with solid ball-carrying—averaging 25 running metres per game for a total of 77 metres gained. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his subsequent full international career, earning him elevation to Tonga's end-of-year Test squad against the Lions later in 2019.

Fifteen-a-side rugby league

Niu made his fifteen-a-side international debut for on 26 October 2019, playing as fullback for the Tonga Invitational XIII in a 14–6 victory over the Lions at in . He came on as a replacement and performed strongly in the second half, contributing to Tonga's historic win without scoring. Niu has since earned three Test caps for the Mate Ma'a , scoring four tries. His subsequent appearances came during the (held in 2022), where he featured in two group-stage matches. One standout performance was in 's 32–6 win over on 24 October 2022 at in , , where Niu scored one try as fullback. He followed this with a in the 92–10 victory against the on 30 October 2022 at in , . His tries, alongside four from Will Penisini and two from , helped top their group and advance to the quarter-finals, where they fell 18–20 to before a semi-final exit. Niu's dynamic play at fullback and on the during these tests highlighted his speed and finishing ability. His experience in the 2019 tournament served as a key stepping stone to his full test debut later that year and subsequent opportunities, building his confidence in high-stakes international play.

References

  1. https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup/tonga/tesi-niu/
  2. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/articles/cq5ep6l7pxwo
  3. https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/fanitesi-niu/summary.html
  4. https://leighleopards.co.uk/leopards-sign-tesi-niu/
  5. https://leighleopards.co.uk/2025-player-awards/
  6. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2022/01/18/broncos-players-to-auction-off-game-1-kit-to-raise-money-for-tongan-tsunami-crisis/
  7. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2019/05/31/tesi-niu-draws-origin-inspiration-from-fifita/
  8. https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/06/02/360-extra-sessions-how-tongan-whiz-kid-stunned-broncos-coaches/
  9. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2020/06/03/tesi--tony-the-story-behind-a-photo/
  10. https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/sport/broncos-rookie-tesi-nius-work-ethic-has-him-destined-for-great-things/news-story/dfe0004397847cc99ed8e06dd5184e8c
  11. https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/sport/brisbane-broncos-rookie-tesi-niu-makes-family-proud-by-breaking-into-the-nrl/news-story/8725041e6bb48f3ce054e3b2c58975df
  12. https://www.bulldogs.com.au/news/2018/07/20/2018-australian-schoolboys-team-announced/
  13. https://18thman.com/2018/11/27/schoolboys-post-record-win-in-first-tour-game/
  14. https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/logan/the-debut-of-brisbane-broncos-tesi-nius-for-tonga-celebrated-at-his-old-school-of-marsden-shs/news-story/fdede4797ed6f372a69e1fab1b07cf10
  15. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2020/06/01/tesi-niu-to-debut-against-roosters-seibold/
  16. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2021/08/13/niu-remains-a-bronco-for-two-more-years/
  17. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-transfer-centre-tesi-niu-brisbane-broncos-xavier-willison-contracts-transfers/news-story/245482e1be28ce861dd0f025cc957497
  18. https://www.zerotackle.com/best-17-for-2022-brisbane-broncos-113178/
  19. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/nrl-player-to-be-excited-for-2022
  20. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2023/01/04/niu-departs-broncos/
  21. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/01/30/niu-embracing-his-new-start-with-the-dolphins/
  22. https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/tesi-niu-granted-early-release-broncos-set-join-dolphins-2023/ie7lfdb0wolfc9bsqch0mltk
  23. https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/03/18/tesi-niu-makes-history/
  24. https://www.dolphinsnrl.com.au/news/2023/06/30/niu2023/
  25. https://www.qrl.com.au/news/2024/09/22/devils-dynasty-niu-fires-to-make-in-three-it-four-years-for-norths/
  26. https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-tesi-niu-contract-norths-devils-defeat-redcliffe-dolphins-in-queensland-cup-grand-final-niwhai-puru-newtown-jets-nsw-cup-grand-final-stats-highlights/news-story/9ef14e861329c32fd068be4b27069e88
  27. https://www.nrl.com/news/2024/10/05/devils-determined-to-turn-queensland-fortunes-around/
  28. https://www.totalrl.com/dolphins-star-tesi-niu-confirms-super-league-club-for-2025/
  29. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/leigh-leopards-sign-nrl-tonga-tesi-niu
  30. https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/joueurs/fanitesi-niu-40415.html
  31. https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/super-leagues-top-metre-makers-in-2025
  32. https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/36879966/rugby-super-league-leigh-wigan-tesi-niu/
  33. https://rugbyleaguezone.com/2025-super-league-semi-final-team-lists-predictions-and-head-to-head-417372/
  34. https://leighleopards.co.uk/a-statement-from-the-owner/
  35. https://www.nrl.com/players/rugby-league-world-cup-9s/tonga-invitational/fanitesi-niu/
  36. https://www.broncos.com.au/news/2019/10/23/tesi-niu-elevated-into-tonga-squad/
  37. https://www.nrl.com/draw/rugby-league-world-cup-9s/2019/round-3/tonga-v-samoa/
  38. https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/10/26/niu-sensation-test-debutant-tesi-terrific-in-tonga-triumph/
  39. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63378130
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63448198
  41. https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/10/31/tonga-hit-record-score-against-cook-islands/
  42. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/63535701
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.