Peni Terepo
{{short description|Tonga international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = Peni Terepo
|fullname =
|image = Peni Terepo.jpg
|imagesize = 290
|caption =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1991|11|21}}
|birth_place = Auckland, New Zealand
|height = {{convert|186|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|108|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|PR|LK}}
|club1 = Parramatta Eels
|year1start = 2013
|year1end = 20
|appearances1 = 123
|tries1 = 6
|goals1 = 0
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 24
|teamA = Tonga
|yearAstart = 2013
|yearAend = 19
|appearancesA = 10
|triesA = 4
|goalsA = 0
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 16
|retired =
|updated = 12 July 2020
}}
Peni Terepo (born 21 November 1991) is a Tonga former international rugby league footballer who played as a {{rlp|pr|sr}} and {{rlp|lk}} for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL.
Background
Terepo was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and is of Cook Islands{{cite web|url=http://www.cookislandsnews.com/item/44910-cooks-players-shine-in-nines/44910-cooks-players-shine-in-nines|title=Cooks players shine in Nines|publisher=Cook Islands News|date=17 February 2014|access-date=3 December 2017}} and Tongan descent.{{fact|date=May 2022}}
Terepo played his junior football for the Mangere East Hawks{{cite web |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2014/02/14/breathing-life-into-the-heartland/ |title=Breathing life into the heartland |publisher=NRL |date=14 February 2014 |access-date=31 May 2022}} before being signed by the Parramatta Eels.{{cite news |title=RL:Eels re-sign utility NRL player McGuire |work=AAP Australian Sports News Wire |date=18 August 2011 |via=EBSCOHost}}{{cite news |title=The Eels giant who took shelter from Storm |work=Daily Telegraph |page=84 |author=CHRISTIAN NICOLUSSI |date=18 August 2011 |via=EBSCOHost}}
Playing career
Terepo played for Parramatta's NYC team between 2009 and 2011.{{cite web|url=http://rleague.com/players/Peni-Terepo_2714/Matches/ |title=Peni Terepo |publisher=rleague.com |access-date=4 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203012038/http://rleague.com/players/Peni-Terepo_2714/Matches/ |archive-date=3 December 2013 }} On 19 August 2011, Terepo re-signed with Parramatta on a two-year contract.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/parramatta-eels-prop-peni-terepo-turns-down-chance-to-join-melbourne-storm/story-e6frexnr-1226117069101|title=Parramatta Eels Prop Peni Terepo Turns Down Chance to Join Melbourne Storm|website=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-12-25|date=2011-08-17}} At the end of 2011, Terepo won the Eels NYC Player's Player award.{{cite web |url=https://www.parraeels.com.au/about/ken-thornett-medal/ |title=Ken Thornett Medal |publisher=Paramatta Eels |access-date=22 September 2020}}
=2013=
In round 8 of the 2013 NRL season, Terepo made his NRL debut for the Parramatta Eels against the North Queensland Cowboys at {{rlp|lk}} in the Eels 10–14 loss at Parramatta Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/north-queensland-cowboys-go-back-to-back-pipping-parramatta-eels-in-seesaw-battle/story-fn2mcuj6-1226635269041|title=Cowboys Go Back to Back Pipping Parramatta Eels in Seesaw Battle|website=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-12-25}} In round 10, against the St George Illawarra Dragons, Terepo scored his first and second try NRL career tries in Parramatta's 12–32 loss at WIN Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/controversial-star-fullback-josh-dugan-impresses-in-st-george-illawarra-win-over-parramatta/story-fn2mcuj6-1226645923250|title=Controversial Star Fullback Josh Dugan Impresses in St George Illawarra Win Over Parramatta Eels|website=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-12-25}} On 5 July 2013, Terepo extended his contract with the Parramatta club for a further two years until the end of the 2015 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/eels-announce-re-signing-of-youth-10271/|title=Eels announce re-signing of youth | NRL|publisher=Zero Tackle|date=2013-07-05|access-date=2015-12-25}} Terepo finished his debut year in the NRL with him playing in 17 matches and scoring four tries for the Parramatta Eels in the season. Terepo was included in the Tongan squad for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup, playing in one match and scoring a try against Italy in the 16–0 win at The Shay.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-league/live/match/39672/report|title=16 - 0 Italy - Match Report & Highlights|website=Skysports.com|date=2013-11-10|access-date=2015-12-25}}
=2014=
In February 2014, Terepo was selected in Parramatta's inaugural 2014 Auckland Nines squad.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|title=Squads For Auckland Nines|publisher=Rugby League Week|date=2014-02-14|access-date=2015-12-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115214258/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/|archive-date=2016-01-15}} Terepo finished off the 2014 NRL season with him playing in 21 matches and scoring a try for Parramatta.
=2015=
On 31 January and 1 February, Terepo played for the Eels in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/eels-2015-nines-squad/|title=EELS NAME 2015 NINES SQUAD|publisher=Rugby League Week|date=2015-01-26|access-date=2015-12-25|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707105149/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/eels-2015-nines-squad/|archive-date=2015-07-07}} On 2 May, he represented Tonga in their 2015 Polynesian Cup test-match against Pacific rivals Samoa, playing at prop in Tonga's 16–18 loss at Cbus Super Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/video-sam-kasiano-try-saving-tackle-on-jorge-taufua-secures-pacific-test-win-for-samoan-against-tonga/story-e6frf3ou-1227331678892|title=Sam Kasiano Try Saving Tackle on Jorge Taufua Secures Pacific Test Win for Samoa Against Tonga|website=Dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=2015-12-25|date=2015-05-02}} He finished off the 2015 season having played in 13 matches for the Eels.{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ny0xNjYwLTQtLS0tLS0yMDQwMi0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0=|title=Custom Match List|publisher=Rugby League Project|date=2015-10-30|access-date=2015-12-25}} On 17 October, he played for Tonga in their Asia-Pacific Qualifier against the Cook Islands for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, playing at prop and scoring a try in Tonga's 28–8 win at Campbelltown Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/tonga-qualify-for-2017-world-cup/tabid/10874/newsid/90566/default.aspx|title=Tonga qualify for 2017 World Cup|website=NRL.com|date=2015-10-17|access-date=2015-12-25}}
=2016=
In February 2016, Terepo played in Parramatta's tournament winning 2016 NRL Auckland Nines campaign. This title was later stripped by the NRL for salary cap breaches.{{cite web|url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/eels-name-2016-nines-squad/|title=Eels name 2016 Nines squad|publisher=Rugby League Week|access-date=2016-02-01|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204104458/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/eels-name-2016-nines-squad/|archive-date=2016-02-04}} On 7 May 2016, Terepo played for Tonga against Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup, starting at prop in the 18–6 loss at Parramatta Stadium.{{cite web|url=http://www.nrl.com/samoa-holds-on-in-pulsating-pacific-test/tabid/10874/newsid/95681/default.aspx|title=Samoa holds on in pulsating Pacific Test|publisher=nrl.com|access-date=7 May 2016|date=2016-05-07}} Terepo finished the 2016 NRL season having played in 23 matches for the Eels. On 8 December 2016, Terepo made his professional boxing debut in the Ladbrokes Charity Fight Night where he went against David Tuliloa but lost in the second round.{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/news/parramatta-forward-peni-terepo-will-make-his-professional-boxing-debut-on-friday-night/news-story/7e359603cdd37b989404e885beee0de6|title=Brutal grounding for Eels brawler's boxing debut|date=2016-12-09}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/nrl-fight-night-live-full-card-schedule-and-tv-times-paul-gallen-vs-junior-paulo-chris-sandow-vs-todd-carney/news-story/5bb7cef7f7105377887835618c38c0c8|title=Paul Gallen beats Junior Paulo video NRL fight night: Chris Sandow and Todd Carney draw, highlights|date=10 December 2016}}
=2017=
On 27 January 2017, Terepo was stood down from the club for a number of weeks after he pleaded guilty to careless driving and also refused to give a blood alcohol test after he crashed in Auckland. Terepo was later fined $500 and $130 in court costs as well being disqualified from driving for seven months, Terepo was almost sacked from the club for not reporting the incident but instead was fined $15,000 for the club.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/eels/peni-terepo-found-guilty-of-careless-driving-after-car-crash-in-auckland/news-story/603195f950098b3960d158bad7cf7137|title=Terepo could be sacked after car crash|date=2017-01-27}}{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2017-parramatta-eels-peni-terepo-suspended-fined-15k-for-careless-driving-charge/news-story/45223ccd37aac1264aff57320fafa6c8|title=Eel cops $15K fine, ban for careless driving|date=February 2017}} Terepo made his return to Parramatta's first grade squad in round 6 against the New Zealand Warriors, coming off the interchange bench in the 10–22 loss at Mt Smart Stadium.
=2018=
Terepo made 20 appearances for Parramatta in a difficult 2018 season where the club finished last on the table and claimed its 14th wooden spoon.{{Cite web | url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/eels/parramatta-eels-season-2018-review-peter-sterlings-biggest-fear-after-horror-campaign/news-story/14f79c1c637fa8d03bbfa6d6b63b55f1 | title=Parramatta Eels NRL 2018: Season review, Brad Arthur, Jarryd Hayne| date=2018-09-03}}{{Cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/Custom/Ny0xNzE3LTQtLS0tLS0yMDQwMi0tLS0tLS0tLS0tLS0= |title = Custom Match List - Rugby League Project}}
On 30 October 2018, Terepo signed a one-year contract extension to remain at the club until the end of the 2019 season.{{Cite web | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/parramatta-eels-contract-extensions-david-gower-peni-terepo-george-jennings-kaysa-pritchard/1e9l5u9vefeo8zk3hcp4frdi4 |title = Parramatta Eels announce contract extensions for four players}}
=2019=
On 11 March, Terepo was stood down by Parramatta for allegedly abusing Air New Zealand staff in an alcohol-fuelled incident on a flight from Tonga to Auckland. Terepo was allegedly upset that he had brought his own alcohol onto the flight but was not allowed to drink it from his coffee cup.
Terepo was told by the flight manager to stop drinking his own alcohol on the plane but continued to do so. Terepo was also seen by staff acting inappropriately towards a female flight attendant. Once the flight arrived in Auckland, Terepo was escorted off the plane by police.
Parramatta released a statement saying "The club has stood Peni down immediately, including this week's Round 1 game against Penrith. The club will now work with the relevant authorities in New Zealand, the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA to investigate the incident thoroughly. This process will then guide our next steps. The club will make no further comment until the investigation is completed".{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/come-to-parramatta-eels-prop-terepo-sidelined-after-flight-incident-20190311-p513d7.html/|title='Come to Parramatta' Eels prop Terepo sidelined after flight incident|website=www.smh.com.au|date=2019-03-11}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/the-nrl-offseason-from-hell-has-continued-with-an-eels-star-being-stood-down/news-story/e7685c2a22b0f9eb2c230274f9bd3021/|title=The NRL off-season from hell has continued with an Eels star being stood down|website=www.news.com.au|date=2019-03-11}}
On 25 March, Terepo avoided having his contract terminated by Parramatta but was fined $25,000 in relation to his alcohol-fueled incident which happened earlier in the month.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/eels/eels-terepo-free-to-play-after-escaping-sack-with-25k-fine-for-boozefuelled-incident-on-a-plane/news-story/f5e2d61c7dd5cdabdd9b1d2fc5a17a28|title=Eels' Terepo free to play after escaping axe with $25k fine for booze-fuelled incident on a plane|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=2019-03-26}}
Terepo made a total of 16 appearances for Parramatta in the 2019 NRL season. Terepo played for the club's feeder side the Wentworthville Magpies in their Canterbury Cup NSW grand final defeat against Newtown at Bankwest Stadium.{{cite web|url=https://www.nswrl.com.au/news/2019/09/29/newtown-reign-supreme-in-epic-decider/|title=Newtown reign supreme in epic decider|website=NSWRL}}
=2020=
In round 2 of the 2020 NRL season, Terepo scored his first try in six years as Parramatta defeated the Gold Coast 46–6.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/live-nrl-gold-coast-titans-v-parramatta-eels-live-score-updates-news-blog/news-story/5f835ab3ca0ff94934ae44ffdfce27af/|title=Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Terepo played a total of six games for Parramatta in the 2020 NRL season. On 12 October, he was released by the club after not securing a new contract. He left Parramatta as one of their longest serving players in the NRL era.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/parramatta-eels-farewell-11-players-in-mass-exodus-following-disappointing-finals-exit/1txqr55h228vq1wxk66ecwybmr/|title=Parramatta Eels farewell 11 players in mass exodus following disappointing finals exit|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
Post playing
After his retirement from the NRL, Terepo revealed he had begun a new career as a butcher and also revealed that his decision to retire from rugby league was due to his epilepsy becoming worse.{{Cite web |last=St John |first=Mark |date=2020-12-11 |title=‘The body just tells you to sit down’: Heartbreaking moment Eels star realised he had to retire |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2020-peni-terepo-epilepsy-battle-parramatta-eels-retirement-homies-butcher-shop/news-story/0db39bf9f8ea79c94b2c40331aa31709 |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}} In January 2024, Terepo had signed to play with the Macquarie Rugby League side for the 2024 season.{{Cite web |last=Callinan |first=Josh |date=2024-01-23 |title=Former Eels forward signs with Newcastle RL club Macquarie for 2024 |url=https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/8496426/former-nrl-forward-peni-terepo-joins-macquarie-for-2024-season/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Newcastle Herald |language=en-AU}}
Statistics
| class="wikitable"
|+ !Year !Team !Games !Tries !Pts |
| 2013
| rowspan="8" |{{Leagueicon|Parramatta|16}} Parramatta Eels |17 |4 |16 |
| 2014
|21 |1 |4 |
| 2015
|13 | | |
| 2016
|23 | | |
| 2017
|7 | | |
| 2018
|20 | | |
| 2019
|16 | | |
| 2020
|6 |1 |4 |
| |Totals
|123 |6 |24 |
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
- [https://www.parraeels.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/parramatta-eels/peni-terepo/ Parramatta Eels profile]
- [http://www.parraeels.com.au/team/profiles/peni-terepo.html Eels profile]
- [http://www.rlwc2017.com/players?team=384#Peni-Terepo 2017 RLWC profile]
{{Parramatta Eels 2016 Auckland Nines Champions}}
{{Tonga 2013 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Tonga 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Terepo, Peni}}
Category:Mangere East Hawks players
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Cook Island descent
Category:New Zealand sportspeople of Tongan descent
Category:New Zealand rugby league players
Category:Parramatta Eels players
Category:Rugby league players from Auckland
Category:Tonga national rugby league team players