Joe Ofahengaue
{{short description|Tonga international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = Joe Ofahengaue
|fullname = Joseph Anthony Young Ofahengaue{{cite web|date=22 September 2016|title=Broncos player Jo Ofahengaue fined for driving offence|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/broncos-player-jo-ofahengaue-fined-for-driving-offence-20160922-grlv8u.html|publisher=Brisbane Times|access-date=4 February 2018}}
|image = Joe Ofahengaue Brisbane Broncos.jpg
|imagesize = 220
|caption = Ofahengaue playing for Brisbane Broncos
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1995|9|15}}
|birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand
|height = {{convert|191|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|115|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|LK|PR}}
|club1 = Brisbane Broncos
|year1start = 2015
|year1end = 20
|appearances1 = 105
|tries1 = 6
|goals1 = 0
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 24
|club2 = Wests Tigers
|year2start = 2021
|year2end = 23
|appearances2 = 56
|tries2 = 3
|goals2 = 0
|fieldgoals2 = 0
|points2 = 12
|club3 = {{nowrap|Parramatta Eels}}
|year3start = 2023
|year3end = 25
|appearances3 = 41
|tries3 = 3
|goals3 = 0
|fieldgoals3 = 0
|points3 = 12
|club4 = Leigh Leopards
|year4start = 2025
|year4end = present
|appearances4 = 2
|tries4 = 1
|goals4 = 0
|fieldgoals4 = 0
|points4 = 4
|teamA = Tonga
|yearAstart = 2015
|yearAend = 19
|appearancesA = 7
|triesA = 0
|goalsA = 0
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 0
|teamB = Queensland
|yearBstart = 2019
|yearBend = 21
|appearancesB = 3
|triesB = 0
|goalsB = 0
|fieldgoalsB = 0
|pointsB = 0
|retired =
|source = {{cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/|title=Players|access-date=19 May 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403181023/https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/jo-ofahengaue/summary.html|title=Jo Ofahengaue - Career Stats & Summary|publisher=Rugby League Project}}
|updated = 17 April 2025
| module = {{infobox person
| embed = yes
| father =
| mother =
| spouse =
| education =
| alma_mater =
| relatives = Viliami Ofahengaue (uncle)
}}
}}
Joseph Anthony Young Ofahengaue (born 15 September 1995) is a Tongan professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|lk}} and {{rlp|pr}} forward for the Leigh Leopards in the Super League and Tonga at international level.
He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and Wests Tigers in the NRL, and has played at representative level for Queensland in State of Origin.
Background
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Ofahengaue is of Tongan descent,{{cite web|last=Webeck|first=Tony|date=7 January 2015|title=Ofahengaue honours family name|url=http://www.nrl.com/ofahengaue-honours-family-name/tabid/10874/newsid/83357/default.aspx|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=18 September 2015}} and moved to Australia as a 9-year old.
Ofahengaue played his junior rugby league for the Ipswich Brothers and attended Forest Lake State High School, St Edmund's College and St Peter Claver College alongside fellow NRL players Anthony Milford and Tautau Moga.{{cite web|date=14 October 2014|title=Claver class shining in league stars|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/claver-class-shining-in-league-stars/2418182/|publisher=Queensland Times|access-date=18 September 2015}}
Ofahengaue is the nephew of Tongan-born Australian Wallabies rugby union player Viliami Ofahengaue.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/former-wallaby-willie-ofahengaues-nephew-joe-a-broncos-rising-star/story-fni3gv5x-1227079979556|title=Former Wallaby Willie Ofahengaue's nephew Joe a Broncos rising star|publisher=Daily Telgeraphy|access-date=2015-03-13}}
Playing career
=Early career=
In 2012, he played for the Sydney Roosters SG Ball team.{{cite web|url=https://amp.couriermail.com.au/questnews/sport/nrls-sydney-roosters-have-ipswich-teenager-joe-ofahengaue-flying-high-for-rugby-league-career/news-story/77742092291986f486ce36e0a2111bba/|title=NRL's Sydney Roosters have Ipswich teenager Joe Ofahengaue flying high for rugby league career|website=www.couriermail.com.au}}
From 2013 to 2015, Ofahengaue played for the Brisbane Broncos' NYC team.{{cite web|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/ipswich-stars-to-tackle-nsw/1919570/|title=Ipswich stars to tackle NSW | Ipswich Queensland Times|publisher=Qt.com.au|date=2013-06-25|access-date=2015-03-13}}{{cite web|url=http://www.qt.com.au/news/homegrown-talent-in-u20s/2242558/|title=Ipswich talent Milford, Ofahengaue and Greinkein in U20s | Ipswich Queensland Times|publisher=Qt.com.au|date=2014-04-29|access-date=2015-03-13}}{{cite web|url=http://www.broncos.com.au/news/2015/03/04/go_time_for_joe.html|title=Go Time For Joe|publisher=Broncos.com.au|access-date=2015-03-13}}
On 3 May 2014, Ofahengaue played for the Queensland under-20s team against the New South Wales under-20s team, playing off the interchange bench in the 30-8 loss at Penrith Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/queensland-name-under-20s-origin-team/tabid/10874/newsid/78002/default.aspx|title=Queensland name Under-20s Origin team|publisher=NRL.com|date=2014-04-28|access-date=2015-03-08}} On 5 October 2014, Ofahengaue played in the Broncos Holden Cup Grand final against the Junior New Zealand Warriors, starting at prop in the 34-32 loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/10/05/warriors-survive-broncos-scare-to-win-holden-cup/|title=Warriors survive Broncos scare to win Holden Cup|date=5 October 2014|website=National Rugby League}} On 18 October 2014, he played for the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis, starting at prop in the 15-14 loss at Mt Smart Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/junior-kangaroos-side-to-face-nz/tabid/10874/newsid/82468/default.aspx|title=Junior Kangaroos side to face NZ|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=2015-03-13}}
=2015=
In round 2 of the 2015 NRL season, Ofahengaue made his NRL debut for the Brisbane Broncos against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, playing off the interchange bench in the 10-2 win at Shark Park.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/darius-boyd-backs-joe-ofahengaue-to-debut-for-brisbane-broncos-this-year/news-story/543a3fedd04410600e3ba95a164d1797|title=Boyd backs Ofahengaue to debut|date=1 March 2015|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/broncos-defeat-sharks-in-scrappy-102-victory-as-sam-thaiday-proves-his-worth-again/news-story/14a78cebfff38e68f10b9981f49e050c|title=Gritty Broncos overcome Sharks|date=13 March 2015|website=www.couriermail.com.au}} On 2 May 2015, Ofahengaue again played for the Junior Kangaroos against Junior Kiwis, starting at prop in the 22-20 win at Robina Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/04/26/junior-kangaroos-named-to-face-junior-kiwis/|title=Junior Kangaroos named to face Junior Kiwis|date=26 April 2015|website=National Rugby League}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/05/02/junior-roos-hold-on-in-thriller/|title=Junior Roos hold on in thriller|date=2 May 2015|website=National Rugby League}} On 1 June 2015, Ofahengaue re-signed with the Broncos on a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/joe-ofahengaue-set-to-resign-with-brisbane-after-rejecting-move-to-gold-coast/news-story/09b5c4daadfb58eeae192596a14a3c8a|title=Broncos to re-sign Ofahengaue|date=31 May 2015|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}} On 14 September 2015, Ofahengaue was named at prop in the 2015 NYC Team of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2015/09/14/2015-holden-cup-team-of-the-year/|title=2015 Holden Cup Team of the Year|date=14 September 2015|website=National Rugby League}} On 4 October 2015, in the Broncos 2015 NRL Grand Final against Queensland rivals the North Queensland Cowboys, Ofahengaue played off the interchange bench in the 17-16 heartbreaking golden point extra time loss.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-2015-brisbane-broncos-player-ratings-20151004-gk114s.html|title=2015 NRL grand final: Brisbane Broncos player ratings|first=Phil|last=Lutton|date=4 October 2015|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/broncos/nrl-grand-final-2015-jo-ofahengaue-set-for-biggest-day-of-his-life/news-story/2950f67e97a9abfc741a1286ce05fb8e|title=Baby Joe's all go for the big show|date=2 October 2015|website=NewsComAu}} Ofahengaue finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 14 matches for the Broncos in the 2015 NRL season. On 17 October 2015, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against the Cook Islands in their Asia-Pacific Qualifier for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, starting at lock in the 28-8 win at Campbelltown Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/live-stream-tonga-v-cook-islands/tabid/10874/newsid/90541/default.aspx|title=Live stream: Tonga v Cook Islands|publisher=NRL.com|access-date=2015-10-18}}
=2016=
On 12 January, Ofahengaue was selected in the Queensland Maroons emerging squad.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/01/12/maroons-name-emerging-origin-squad/|title=Maroons name Emerging Origin squad|date=12 January 2016|website=National Rugby League}} In February, he was involved in the Maroons camp breach as he was one of the designated drivers alongside Dale Copley as they were with 8 other players such as Anthony Milford, Cameron Munster, Valentine Holmes and Dylan Napa who broke the camp midnight curfew and partied on into the night after a drinking session at the Story Bridge Hotel. Ofahengaue and Copley, however weren’t banned.{{cite web|url=https://dsf.newscorpaustralia.com/dailytelegraph/subscription/|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au - Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}
In round 7 against the Newcastle Knights, Ofahengaue scored his first NRL career try in the 53-0 demolished win at Suncorp Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/devastating-brisbane-broncos-humiliate-newcastle-knights-with-10try-showpiece-20160416-go84r5.html|title=Devastating Brisbane Broncos humiliate Newcastle Knights with 10-try showpiece|first=Robert|last=Dillon|date=16 April 2016|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}} On 7 May 2016, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup, starting at lock in the 18-6 loss at Parramatta Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2016/05/07/samoa-holds-on-in-pulsating-pacific-test/|title=Samoa holds on in pulsating Pacific Test|date=7 May 2016|website=National Rugby League}} Later into the season, Ofahengaue found himself behind in the pecking order in the forward stocks in the likes of Jai Arrow and Tevita Pangai Junior and was languishing in the Queensland Cup, playing for the Souths Logan Magpies for the rest of the year after round 21.{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/sport/souths-logans-mustwin-game-against-burkeigh-headlines-our-round-25-previews/news-story/5f9b5fd2daa8faccdb7259a065de9b74|title=It's all come down to this|date=26 August 2016|website=www.couriermail.com.au}} Ofahengaue finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing in 16 matches and scoring 1 try.
=2017=
Ofahengaue had to appear in court in April after he was caught on CCTV footage cheating in a game of poker at the Treasury Casino by slipping a $100 chip under a $15 chip while the dealer was looking away and later copped a $400 fine with no conviction of fraud.{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/troubled-broncos-star-joe-ofahengaue-embroiled-in-casino-cheating-controversy/news-story/85e01ad770e8015f01469c61f7735cb3|title=How the Bronco cheated a casino|date=28 April 2017|website=www.couriermail.com.au}}
In round 8 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Ofahengaue made his return to the Broncos top squad, playing off the interchange bench in the 25-24 win at ANZ Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/the-broncos-have-beaten-the-rabbtiohs-2524-in-controversial-circumstances/news-story/9f86fc2d8d858016d0311f8262d035e0|title=Milford fires back after blow-up|date=22 April 2017|website=www.couriermail.com.au}} On 8 May 2017, Ofahengaue played for Tonga against Fiji in a Pacific Test, starting at lock in the 26-24 win at Campbelltown Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/unlikely-hero-leilani-latu-inspires-12man-tonga-to-a-thrilling-victory-over-fiji/news-story/bdd8f6d8c4d3f8530cf994b465d5609f|title=Unlikely hero inspires 12-man Tonga to victory|date=6 May 2017|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}} On 19 June 2017, Ofahengaue extended his contract with the Broncos to the end of the 2019 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbane-retention-drive-continues-broncos-resign-promising-forward-joe-ofahengaue/news-story/0e4a5c9c5478870805b6464c7cb1a402|title=Broncos NRL contracts: Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett re-signs Joe Ofahengaue|date=18 July 2017}} Ofahengaue finished the 2017 NRL season with him playing in 16 matches and scoring 1 try for the Broncos. On 5 October 2017, Ofahengaue was selected in the 24-man Tonga squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2017/10/05/fifita-taumalolo-in-tonga-world-cup-squad/|title=Fifita, Taumalolo in Tonga World Cup squad|date=4 October 2017|website=National Rugby League}} Ofahengaue only played in one match in the tournament which was against Lebanon, starting at prop in the 24-22 win at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/tonga-move-on-to-world-cup-semifinals-after-thrilling-2422-win-over-gallant-lebanon/news-story/c8d785b865c17f8913f0e45e485ec3a3|title=Tonga escape Lebanon in thriller|date=18 November 2017|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}
=2018=
After showing some powerhouse performances in the earlier rounds of the season, Ofahengaue skyrocketed in contention for the Queensland Maroons as an interchange option but instead stuck with Tonga for the time being. Y{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/06/27/joe-ofahengaue-ready-to-double-up-for-queensland-maroons-after-tonga-success/|title=Ofahengaue ready to double up for Maroons after Tonga success|date=27 June 2018|website=National Rugby League}}{{cite web|url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=CMWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.couriermail.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Fstate-of-origin%2Fjoe-ofahengaue-ready-to-play-for-maroons-ahead-of-tonga-if-selected-for-origin-ii%2Fnews-story%2F97dc0f480f2136b79afd76b4ddb66382&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=c5f8544c2dcd4add1866e837b994c1a3-1560115586|title=Couriermail.com.au - Subscribe to The Courier Mail for exclusive stories|website=www.couriermail.com.au}} On 23 June 2018, Ofahengaue was selected for Tonga to play in the 2018 Pacific test against Samoa, playing off the interchange bench in the 38-22 win at Campbelltown Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/06/17/joe-ofahengaue-named-in-star-studded-tonga-squad/|title=Ofahengaue named in star-studded Tonga squad|date=17 June 2018|website=National Rugby League}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/06/23/tonga-overpowers-samoa-in-pacific-test-blockbuster/|title=Tonga overpowers Samoa in Pacific Test blockbuster|date=23 June 2018|website=National Rugby League}} Ofahengaue finished his best season up to date in the 2018 NRL season with him playing in 24 matches and scoring 3 tries. On 20 October 2018, Ofahengaue was selected for Tonga to play in their historical first test against Australia, playing off the interchange bench in the 34-16 loss at Mt Smart Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/josh-mcguire-backs-tongan-pair-tevita-pangai-jr-and-joe-ofahengaue-to-play-origin/news-story/b32ccfad14396651752b00dd05212fb7|title=NRL 2018: McGuire backs Broncos Pangai Jr and Ofahengaue for Origin, Tonga vs Australia Kangaroos|date=18 October 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Fsport%2Fnrl%2Faustralia-down-tonga-3416-on-landmark-night-for-rugby-league%2Fnews-story%2Fb27e2b5a556f688ae22ca53a358115ed&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&nk=3dbfc57b1c4b895db7ea95fb48554b43-1560115595|title=Dailytelegraph.com.au - Subscribe to The Daily Telegraph for exclusive stories|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}}
=2019=
Ofahengaue was selected to play for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin series. Ofahengaue played in two of the matches in the series which New South Wales won 2-1. Ofahengaue made 20 appearances for Brisbane in the 2019 NRL season as the club finished 8th on the table and qualified for the finals. Ofahengaue played in the club's elimination final against Parramatta which Brisbane lost 58-0 at the new Western Sydney Stadium. The defeat was the worst in Brisbane's history and also the biggest finals defeat in history. Ofahengaue was also placed on report during the match after hitting Parramatta player Blake Ferguson in the head with a swinging arm.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-15/eels-make-history-with-58-point-finals-flogging-of-broncos/11505120/|title=Parramatta Eels eliminate Brisbane Broncos from the NRL Finals with a thumping 58-0 win|website=ABC}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/finals/fuming-seibold-fires-off-at-players-promises-review-of-roster-after-embarrassing-loss/news-story/aed1578918d1dbedc4eb33c3904d2b0e/|title=Fuming Seibold fires off at players, promises review of roster after 'embarrassing' loss|website=Fox Sports}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/15/seibold-top-to-bottom-review-needed-as-broncos-search-for-answers/|title=Seibold: 'Top to bottom' review needed as Brisbane search for answers|website=NRL}} Ofahengaue was a
part of Tonga’s historic victory over Australia in November, playing off the Interchange Bench.
=2020=
On 26 January, Ofahengaue was charged by Queensland police for a traffic infringement. He was found asleep behind the wheel of a stationary vehicle. The Brisbane Broncos issued a statement to say the club is “aware of a motor vehicle-related offence involving forward Joe Ofahengaue, The NRL’s Integrity Unit was immediately informed of the incident and the Broncos are working with authorities on the matter".{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/01/26/ofahengaue-charged-over-driving-infringement/|title=Ofahengaue charged over driving infringement|website=www.nrl.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2020-joe-ofahengaue-charged-by-police-driving-infringement-brisbane-broncos-rugby-league/news-story/f7aa04d55025aa92ac77d7557df50a6a/|title=Broncos forward Joe Ofahengaue charged by police over driving infringement|website=Fox Sports}}
On 28 February, Ofahengaue was suspended for two matches by Brisbane. Brisbane CEO Paul White spoke to the media saying, "The Broncos took the decision to stand down the player after taking into consideration that it was not his first driving offence in recent years. Joe is really disappointed in himself and very remorseful for what he has done. As a club, our goal is to set a standard for our players and Joe understands that he must pay a price for his actions that night."{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos-star-cops-suspension-for-driving-infringement/news-story/61108856c1ac57808c8b0c7b8c668701/|title=Brisbane star cops suspension for driving infringement|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Ofahengaue made 15 appearances for Brisbane in the 2020 NRL season as the club suffered their worst ever year on the field, culminating in the club's first Wooden Spoon.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/09/24/brisbane-get-wooden-spoon-as-cowboys-finish-on-a-high/|title=Brisbane get wooden spoon as North Queensland finish on a high|website=www.nrl.com}}
On 29 November, he signed a three-year deal to join the Wests Tigers starting in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/joe-ofahengaue-joins-wests-tigers-nrl-signing-news-2020/w8pj3ivm9gcs1q6cb2udrzrrd/|title=Joe Ofahengaue joins Wests Tigers on three-year deal|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
=2021=
File:Joseph Ofahengaue.jpg in 2021]]
In round 1 of the 2021 NRL season, he made his debut for Wests Tigers in a 30-12 loss against Canberra.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-14/sharks-win-messy-clash-with-dragons-raiders-beat-tigers-nrl/13245750/|title=Cronulla Sharks win scrappy clash with Dragons; Canberra Raiders beat Wests Tigers with dominant second half|website=www.abc.net.au}}
He played a total of 23 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2021 as the club finished 13th and missed the finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/wests-tigers-fans-savage-the-clubs-newlook-logo/news-story/83f356c5f7c0d336d950d750f4e054b5/|title=Wests Tigers fans savage the club's new-look logo|website=www.news.com.au}}
=2022=
Despite Wests Tigers collecting the wooden spoon, Ofahengaue finished ninth in the competition for most tackles made,{{cite web| website= nrl.com| title=Tackles| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906073511/https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2022&stat=3|access-date=6 September 2022|url=https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2022&stat=3|archive-date=6 September 2022}} second in decoy runs, and tenth in runs made.{{cite web| website= nrl.com| title=All Runs| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906073511/https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2022&stat=1000038|access-date=6 September 2022|url=https://www.nrl.com/stats/players/?competition=111&season=2022&stat=1000038|archive-date=6 September 2022}} He came 4th in the NRL's Hard Work Index, where he was described as having, "arguably the best year of his career".{{cite web| website= nrl.com| title=Papali'i tops Hard Earned Index leaderboard for 2022|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/09/06/papalii-tops-hard-earned-index-leaderboard-for-2022/}} One of two players to appear in every game of Wests Tigers season, he was awarded the Kelly-Barnes Medal as the best player for the club.{{cite web| website= weststigers.com| title=Ofahengaue claims Kelly-Barnes Medal|url=https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2022/09/06/ofahengaue-claims-kelly-barnes-medal/}}
At season's end, Ofahengaue signed a contract extension to remain at the club until the end of 2025. Incoming coach Tim Sheens said, "We’ve brought several younger players through the pathways this season, with more to come, and Joe has played a role in their development. He’s a player they look up to and are comfortable going to for advice. Like the younger guys, he too is always challenging himself to improve, and that’s exciting for all of us."{{cite web| website= Sporting News| title=Joe Ofahengaue signs contract extension to remain at Wests Tigers until 2025|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/joe-ofahengaue-signs-contract-extension-remain-wests-tigers-until-2025/t5karoax3jevwsrwe2kxqbmo|author=Mark Molyneux}}
=2023=
On 20 May, Ofahengaue played his final game for the Wests Tigers starting at lock and scoring a try in a 66-18 win over North Queensland. On 23 May, Ofahengaue was granted an immediate release from his Wests Tigers contract to join Parramatta. He later said, "Everyone knows I didn't want to leave that club. Sometimes you’ve just got to read the room. Everyone knows how passionate I was about that club. I signed three years for a reason because I wanted to stay there to be a part of the changes that were going to come. Things changed, and what happened was out of my control."{{cite news| work= news.com.au | title='I didn't want to leave that club': Joe Ofahengaue opens up on messy Wests Tigers exit|author=Martin Gabor| url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/i-didnt-want-to-leave-that-club-joe-ofahengaue-opens-up-on-messy-wests-tigers-exit/news-story/4df757b4ae40521ebc32b8c3f261771d}}
Ofahengaue made his debut for Parramatta as a starting prop for their round 13 match against North Queensland. He sustained a calf injury within the first ten minutes and was taken from the field. Ofahengaue was later ruled out for an indefinite period.{{cite web|url=https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2023/05/27/injury-update-joe-ofahengaue/|title=Injury Update: Joe Ofahengaue|website=www.parraeels.com.au}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-transfer-centre-joe-ofahengaue-signs-with-parramatta-eels-wests-tigers-release-contract-player-movement/news-story/79780d9f146e8d5958072b14f97b48e1/|title=Eels confirm Ofahengaue’s mid-year switch after Tigers release: NRL Transfer Centre|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Ofahengaue played a total of 11 matches for Parramatta in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished 10th and missed the finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-2023-parramatta-eels-season-review/87bc005ef8afccb71c8cd224#:~:text=Following%20a%201%2D4%20start,to%20the%20Eels'%20poor%20season./|title=NRL 2023: Parramatta Eels season review|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
=2024=
In round 6 of the 2024 NRL season, Ofahengaue scored his try for Parramatta in their 27-20 victory over North Queensland.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/inform-cowboys-hoping-to-heap-pain-on-parramatta-nrl-live/news-story/546bc3b6fc57ba41e123aff01288c697/|title=New halves a ‘perfect fit’ as energetic Eels seal much-needed win: What we learned|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
He made 24 appearances for Parramatta throughout the year as the club endured a tough campaign finishing 15th on the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/news-2024-the-mole-exclusive-parramatta-eels-season-review-reagan-campbell-gillard-future-20240907-p5k8qj.html/|title=The Mole's end of season review: What went wrong at the Parramatta Eels?|website=www.nine.com.au}}
=2025=
On 16 February, Ofahengaue was forced to apologise by Parramatta officials after he pulled the pants down of teammate Zac Lomax during a post-match interview with a female reporter. The following day, Ofahengaue apologised personally to the female reporter in question.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/not-funny-eels-veteran-apologises-to-reporter-for-inappropriate-act-on-live-tv/news-story/79b6f639ddd1aec77183159ed5c9eb1c/|title=‘Not funny’: Eels veteran apologises to reporter for inappropriate act on live TV|website=www.foxsports.com.au}} On 17 April, Ofahengaue was granted an early release from his contract, he signed a deal with the Super League team Leigh.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-16 |title=Eels grant Joe Ofahengaue a release |url=https://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2025/04/17/eels-grant-joe-ofahengaue-a-release/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=Parramatta Eels |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-17 |title=Much-loved NRL enforcer quits club immediately |url=https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/joe-ofahengaue-quits-parramatta-to-join-super-league-club-leigh-leopards-c-18402283 |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=7NEWS |language=en}}
Statistics
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Team !Games !Tries !Pts |
| align=right |2015
| rowspan="6" |{{Leagueicon|Brisbane|16}} Brisbane Broncos | align=right |14 | align=right | | align=right | |
| align=center|2016
| align=right |16 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=center|2017
| align=right |16 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=center|2018
| align=right |24 | align=right |3 | align=right |12 |
| align=center|2019
| align=right |20 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=center|2020
| align=right |15 | align=right | | align=right | |
| align=center|2021
| rowspan="2" |{{Leagueicon|Wests Tigers|16}} Wests Tigers | align=right |23 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=center|2022
| align=right |24 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=center rowspan="2" |2023
| align=left |{{Leagueicon|Wests Tigers|16}} Wests Tigers | align=right |9 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=left |{{Leagueicon|Parramatta|16}} Parramatta Eels
| align=right |11 | align=right | | align=right | |
| align=center|2024
|{{Leagueicon|Parramatta|16}} Parramatta Eels | align=right |24 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| rowspan="2" align="center" |2025
|{{Leagueicon|Parramatta|16}} Parramatta Eels | align="right" |6 | align=right |1 | align=right |4 |
| align=left |{{Leagueicon|Leigh|16}} Leigh Leopards
| align=right |0 | align=right |0 | align=right |0 |
| align=right |
| align=right |Totals | align=right |202 | align=right |11 | align=right |44 |
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://www.weststigers.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/wests-tigers/joe-ofahengaue/ Wests Tigers profile]
- [https://www.broncos.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/brisbane-broncos/joe-ofahengaue/ Brisbane Broncos profile]
- [http://www.broncos.com.au/team/profiles/jo-ofahengaue.html Broncos profile]
- [http://www.nrl.com/telstrapremiership/playerstats/playerprofile/tabid/10898/clubid/1/playerid/5622/seasonid/44/default.aspx8 NRL profile]
- [http://www.rlwc2017.com/players?team=384#Joe-Ofahengaue 2017 RLWC profile]
{{Leigh Leopards squad}}
{{Tonga 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2015 NYC Team of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ofahengaue, Joe}}
Category:21st-century New Zealand sportsmen
Category:Brisbane Broncos players
Category:Junior Kangaroos players
Category:New Zealand emigrants to Australia
Category:New Zealand rugby league players
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Tongan descent
Category:Parramatta Eels players
Category:Queensland Rugby League State of Origin players
Category:Rugby league players from Auckland
Category:Souths Logan Magpies players
Category:Tonga national rugby league team players
Category:Tongan rugby league players