Patrick Kaufusi Signs With Mendi Blackhawks
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Welcome to the Mendi Blackhawks Patrick Kaufusi. Photo Blackhawks Media
BLACKHAWKS MEDIA
The Townsville Mendi Blackhawks have today announced the signing of former Tongan International and North Queensland Toyota Cowboys player Patrick Kaufusi for the 2020 Intrust Super Cup season.
Kaufusi arrived back in Townsville yesterday, and has already started training with the team.
Mendi Blackhawks Coach Aaron Payne announcing the new signing. Photo Blackhawks Media
“It’s good to be back in Townsville, I’ve got some of my favourite memories here,” Kaufusi said.
“I had my first training session yesterday and it was good to be back with some of the boys I have previously played with, so I’m pretty keen to get back into it.”
“I’ve always knew that when I’ve had to play against the Mendi Blackhawks, it was going to be a hard game.”
2015 NRL Round 16 Match between NQ Cowboys and Cronulla Sharks Patrick Kaufusi debut. Picture: Wesley Monts
“I’m not much of a talker, but I try to lead with my actions on the field.”
“Obviously I would like to go back in an NRL system, and I feel like the Mendi Blackhawks is the right club to get me back there.”
One of his career highlights, was winning the 2014 National State Championships with the Northern Pride.
In 2015, he was a member of the North Queensland Cowboys Premiership Winning squad, although not playing in the grand final, Kaufusi made his NRL debut that year.
The next year, he made his International debut for Tonga in the 2016 Polynesian Cup.
In 2018 Kaufusi moved to the Melbourne, becoming the third Kaufusi brother to play for the Melbourne Storm, before moving to Sydney last year to play for the Dragons.
Kaufusi training with the Mendi Blackhawks. Photo Blackhawks Media
“My favourite moment in footy so far was definitely playing with my brother Felise in Melbourne in the NRL.”
“It was pretty surreal and definitely a proud moment for our family.”
Coach of the Mendi Blackhawks Aaron Payne said he is looking forward to Kaufusi adding to the team.
“Having played in the NRL and QRL, Patrick will add plenty of experience to our group,” Payne said.
“Last year he was probably one of the best players in the QRL.”
“He has some real quality about the way he plays, with a very strong carry of the footy and good off-load,”
“I’m really excited to see how new combinations will form.”
The Mendi Blackhawks will play their first trial of 2020 in Bowen next Saturday against the Mackay Cutters.
Patrick Kaufusi with new Coach Aaron Payne at the Mendi Blackhawks. Photo Blackhawks Media
