Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is drawing inspiration from the resilience of teammate Eli Katoa as he establishes himself as a key player for the Dolphins and eyes a potential State of Origin debut for Queensland.
The 22-year-old prop, who has quickly turn into a fan favorite in the NRL, credits Katoa’s dedication to recovery and positive attitude as a significant influence, particularly after Katoa underwent brain surgery following a head injury sustained during the 2025 Pacific Championships. Katoa will miss the entire 2026 season as he continues his recovery, but has taken on a new role with the Storm, according to reports.
Finefeuiaki was deeply affected by Katoa’s injury and subsequent surgery. “When he started talking to the media when he came out about it and got pretty emotional, I felt pretty sad – he was my roomie and does a lot for Tonga,” Finefeuiaki said. He regularly checks in with Katoa, who remains optimistic despite the challenges he faces. “I message him here and there to see how he’s doing, and he’s always saying he’s still here and still smiling. I’m here for him whenever he needs me.”
Finefeuiaki’s own form has been impressive, leading to praise from Dolphins teammate and former Maroons enforcer Felise Kaufusi. Kaufusi believes Finefeuiaki is ready for the step up to State of Origin level, citing his recent performances against the South Sydney Rabbitohs as evidence of his capabilities. “He’s absolutely ready if he keeps putting in performances like that. Being consistent is the main thing, so being able to back that up week in and out is the main thing, and I’m sure that will hold him in solid stead come selection time,” Kaufusi stated.
Finefeuiaki acknowledges the demand for consistency, having only recently become a regular starter in the NRL. He is determined to prove those who doubt his ability to play a full 80 minutes wrong. “Some people think I can’t play 80, but if Woolfy has full confidence in me to play the 80 I’m willing to do my best to play it for the team,” he said.
Last year, Finefeuiaki was included in the Queensland Origin squad as an extended squad member, an experience he described as “star struck.” He is motivated to earn a place in the Maroons jersey, having grown up watching the rivalry.
The possibility of representing New Zealand is also open to Finefeuiaki under new NRL guidelines, but he has ruled out switching allegiances. He confirmed that if he were to represent another nation, it would be Samoa, in honor of his parents.
The future of the Tonga national team is also under consideration, with the potential for Finefeuiaki to fill the void left by Katoa’s absence at the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Finefeuiaki admits he is undecided about which nation he would ultimately choose to represent, acknowledging the hard decision between honoring his parents’ heritage. “I’ve got a lot of questions about that, but I don’t know, to be honest. It’s hard to pick sides because I’m a mummy’s boy and a daddy’s boy,” he laughed. “We’ll see what happens, but it’s a hard decision. I want to play for them, and down the track represent them both.”
Recent bans handed down to Tonga medical staff following concerns over the handling of Katoa’s concussion have further highlighted the importance of player welfare and the need for improved medical protocols within the sport.
