Viliami Penisini (born 31 July 2002) is a Tonga international rugby league footballer who plays as a centre for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL).
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Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Viliami Penisini | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 31 July 2002 Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 98 kg (15 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] As of 6 September 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Background
editPenisini was born in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia. He is of Tongan heritage.
He played his junior football for the Rouse Hill Rhinos.
Penisini attended Quakers Hill East Public School from Kindergarten to Year 6, winning many sporting accolades and becoming a popular figure among his peers and teachers for his sporting prowess, particularly in rugby league and union. He first attended Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown and then transferred at the end of year 7 to The King's School, Parramatta. While at King's, he was a member of the premiership winning First XV rugby union team in 2018 and captain of the undefeated First XV rugby union team in 2020.
In 2016, at the age of 14, Penisini joined Parramatta Eels' junior development squad.
Playing career
edit2019 & 2020
editPenisini played for Parramatta's SG Ball and Jersey Flegg teams in 2019 and 2020. Representing the NSW under 16s and 18s teams in 2018 and 2019, breaking his ankle in the under 18s game. Due to COVID-19, Penisini played for King's XV rugby union team.
2021
editPenisini started 2021 training with Parramatta's first grade team, on March 4, 2021, Penisini was upgraded to the club's 30 man squad signing with Parramatta until the end of 2022. Penisini later re-signed with Parramatta for a further season until 2023. In round 19 2021, Penisini made his NRL debut for Parramatta against the Canberra Raiders in a 12–10 loss at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast.[2] In round 23, he scored his first try in the NRL during a 32–16 victory over North Queensland side.[3]
Penisini played in both of Parramatta's finals matches in the 2021 NRL season against Newcastle and Penrith.[4][5]
2022
editIn round 11 of the 2022 NRL season, Penisini scored the winning try for Parramatta in their 22–20 victory over Manly.[6]
In round 19 of the 2022 NRL season, Penisini was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul during Parramatta's 36–14 loss against Brisbane.[7]
Penisini played for Parramatta in their 2022 NRL Grand Final loss against Penrith.[8]
In the third group game at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, Penisini scored four tries in Tonga's 92-10 victory over the Cook Islands at the Riverside Stadium.[9]
2023
editOn 31 January, Penisini signed a two-year contract extension to remain at Parramatta until the end of the 2025 season.[10] In round 1 of the 2023 NRL season, he scored the first try of the year in Parramatta's golden point extra-time loss to Melbourne.[11] In round 5 of the 2023 NRL season, Penisini was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul during Parramatta's 28-20 loss to the Sydney Roosters.[12] In round 17, Penisini scored two tries for Parramatta in their 48-20 victory over the Dolphins.[13] Penisini played a total of 24 matches for Parramatta in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 10th and missed the finals.[14]
2024
editPenisini played 23 games for Parramatta in the 2024 NRL season and scored ten tries as the club finished 15th on the table.[15]
Statistics
edit| Year | Team | Games | Tries | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 |  Parramatta Eels
|
5 | 2 | 8 |
| 2022 | 28 | 10 | 40 | |
| 2023 | 24 | 8 | 32 | |
| 2024 | 23 | 10 | 40 | |
| Totals | 80 | 30 | 120 |
References
edit- ^ "Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project". Rugbyleagueproject.org.
- ^ "Canberra Raiders hold on for 12-10 win over the Parramatta Eels". www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Eels escape 'downfall' after 'cheap' start; Hammer puts heat on $1m man: 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "Parramatta Eels defeat Newcastle Knights 28-20 in NRL elimination final". www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Penrith Panthers handed NRL breach notice, fined $25,000 after incident in Parramatta semi-final". www.abc.net.au.
- ^ "Moses' maturity shines through in clutch moment; Turbo-less Manly face brutal road ahead: 3 Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "Broncos' one-two punch downs Eels; Flyer's finishing battle excites: Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "'Parra are our sons': Panther's cheeky Eels sledge as stars run riot, Luai has another dig". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "Tonga 92-10 Cook Islands: Tonga close Rugby League World Cup group in style". www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Will Penisini extends his stay at Parramatta Eels for two more years". www.sportingnews.com.
- ^ "Melbourne Storm beat Parramatta Eels in golden point: NRL 2023 season opener – as it happened". www.theguardian.com.
- ^ "'Ropeable at the time': Eels flyer slapped with hefty ban for ugly Tedesco hit". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "Dolphins embarrassed as Eels secure 77-year first in bloodbath … but Sivo in strife: Big Hits". www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^ "NRL 2023: Parramatta Eels season review". www.sportingnews.com.
- ^ "The Mole's end of season review: What went wrong at the Parramatta Eels?". www.nine.com.au.