David Nofoaluma

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David Nofoaluma
Personal information
Full nameDavid Nofoaluma
Born (1993-11-28) 28 November 1993 (age 30)
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Height182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight94 kg (14 st 11 lb)
Playing information
PositionWing
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2013–23 Wests Tigers 192 100 0 0 400
2022(loan) → Melbourne Storm 6 4 0 0 16
2024– Salford Red Devils 1 0 0 0 0
Total 199 104 0 0 416
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2015 Prime Minister's XIII 1 2 0 0 8
2016 City Origin 1 0 0 0 0
2016–22 Samoa 3 4 0 0 16
2019 Samoa 9s 2 1 0 0 4
Source: [1]
As of 14 February 2024

David Nofoaluma (born 28 November 1993) is a Samoa international rugby league footballer who plays as a wing for the Salford Red Devils in the Super League.

He also previously played for the Melbourne Storm on-loan and the Wests Tigers and has played at representative level for the Prime Minister's XIII and New South Wales City.

Background[edit]

Nofoaluma was born in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. He is of Samoan and Croatian descent.

Nofoaluma played his junior football for the Campbelltown Warriors and Campbelltown Collegians before being signed by the Wests Tigers. In 2010, he played for the Australian Schoolboys and also New South Wales U18's team. In 2011, Nofoaluma again played for the New South Wales U18's team. He played for the Tigers' NYC team in 2011 and 2012,[2] scoring a try as a member of the 2012 Grand Final winning team.[3] On 23 May 2012, Nofoaluma re-signed with the Tigers on a two-year contract.[4]

Playing career[edit]

2013[edit]

In round 10, Nofoaluma made his NRL debut for the Tigers against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on the wing in the 54–10 loss at ANZ Stadium.[5][6] The next week against the North Queensland Cowboys at Leichhardt Oval, Nofoaluma scored a match-winning try as the Tigers prevailed 22–20.[7] In his third appearance in round 13 against the Penrith Panthers, Nofoaluma scored two tries in the first half in the 20–18 win.[8]

In Round 20, Nofoaluma gained attention for a try he scored against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. Leaping for a Benji Marshall cross-field bomb, Nofoaluma caught the ball before being shoved by Manly winger Jorge Tafua. With most of his body in the air over the dead-in-goal line, Nofoaluma managed to place the ball down for what was described as, "arguably the most acrobatic try of the past decade."[9] It was awarded the Dally M Try of the Year.[10] In total, Nofoaluma scored eight tries from his fifteen appearances in 2013, and was described as, "a revelation on the flank."[11] Despite his limited appearances, he was sixth in the competition for tackle-busts throughout the season.[12] He was named by Phil Gould as one of the rookies of the year.[13]

Nofoaluma representing the Wests Tigers

2014[edit]

After missing round 1 with a hamstring injury, Nofoaluma returned in round 2, scoring a try in the Tigers 42–12 win.[14] On 11 April, Nofoaluma re-signed with Wests Tigers, keeping him at the club till the end of the 2017 season.[15] In April, he was named in the Samoan team to play against Fiji in the 2014 Pacific Rugby League International to qualify for the 2014 Four Nations. He was later ruled out with a knee injury and replaced by Young Tonumaipea.[16] In Round 18, Nofoaluma suffered a season ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury.[17] He scored 7 tries from 15 matches in 2014.

2015[edit]

After undergoing off-season surgery on his knee, Nofoaluma returned from the injury via the Wests Tigers NSW Cup side. A subsequent ankle injury[18] meant he did not return to first grade until Round 10.[19] With team-mate Chris Lawrence moving to the second-row, Nofoaluma played some games at centre before swapping positions with Kevin Naiqama and returning to his regular position of winger.[20] Nofoaluma played in 10 games and scored 6 tries for the season.[21] On 26 September, he represented the Prime Minister's XIII against Papua New Guinea, playing on the wing. He scored two tries in the 40–12 win.[22][23]

2016[edit]

Nofoaluma scored three tries in the opening two rounds of the season. In May, he was a late selection for City, but only lasted five minutes in the match before being replaced after suffering a head knock.[24] Missing just one game for Wests Tigers, he was the team's joint leader for tries scored, with a career-best 14 and led the entire competition with 134 tackle breaks.[25] He said, "I think it was the best year of my career, for sure. I was really happy with how I went. It was exciting to know what I can do when I get more games into me. I felt better and better as each game went on and I think I was playing my best footy at the end of the year, which was really pleasing."[26] Coach Jason Taylor named Nofoaluma the club's best player for the second half of the season.[27]

At the end of the year, Nofoaluma made his international debut for Samoa, playing fullback in an historic test match against Fiji in Apia.[28]

2017[edit]

Nofoaluma received high praise for the first game of the year, with the Daily Telegraph saying, "Playing as if he needed to break 200 metres to get paid, Nofoaluma eventually churned through 211 while also creating several opportunities, through his seven tackle breaks and two line breaks, that would eventually lead to points for others. Hell, the Tigers No. 2 even offloaded—yes, offloaded—five times."[27] In April, it was announced that Nofoaluma had re-signed with the Wests Tigers on a four-year contract.[29] Weeks later, he suffered an injury that required groin and hernia surgery, but played on for the remainder of the season. He said, "I couldn't do certain movements. Even when sitting up, I couldn't get out of bed; I had to roll out. I could have had the operation straight away, but there was no depth in the team, and Ivan needed me out there."[30]

Nofoaluma finished the regular season in the NRL's top five performers for metres gained, tackle-breaks and offloads.[31] He led the Wests Tigers in these fields and was also their leader for line-breaks.[32] He was the only player to play in all 24 games for Wests Tigers, scoring 8 tries. At season's end, he was named as a winger in the Rugby League Players Association Dream Team.[33]

2018[edit]

Despite his achievements in 2017, Nofoaluma was a surprise exclusion for round 1, with Corey Thompson chosen ahead of him on the right wing. Playing reserve grade, he scored two tries. Nofoaluma said, "It was one of the biggest shocks of my career so far. But in saying that, for me coming out today, even the whole week leading up to this game, it makes you feel like you've got to perform at your best to be at the top with the best."[34] With Tuimoala Lolohea suffering a knee injury, Thompson moved to fullback and Nofoaluma returned his regular spot in the team for round 2.[35]

In June, Nofoaluma suffered a calf injury that would see him on the sideline for a month, and had to be helped from the field. He later tweeted. "Disgraced when coming off injured to hear a roosters fan in the crowd say "Nofoaluma you cunt. Your a fucking piece of shit". Hope your satisfied!!"[36] Returning in round 18, he remained in first grade for the remainder of the season, scoring six tries from his eighteen appearances.

2019[edit]

Nofoaluma suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason and didn't make an appearance in first grade until round 11. He remained in the team for the rest of the year, scoring 8 tries in his 14 games. In round 23, he scored his first ever hat-trick of tries in Wests 46–4 win over the Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium.[37]

2020[edit]

Nofoaluma scored two tries for Wests in round 1 of the 2020 NRL season as the club defeated St. George Illawarra 24–14 at WIN Stadium.[38]

Nofoaluma playing for the Western Suburbs Magpies in 2022

After a further 2 tries in round 4, he led the competition with 6 tries, 2 ahead of his closest rival.[39] In round 7, he scored a third double as the Wests Tigers defeated Canterbury-Bankstown 34–6.[40]

In round 17, he scored a hat-trick as Wests defeated Manly-Warringah 34-32 at Brookvale Oval,[41] taking him three clear on the NRL's leading try-scorer list for the season.[42] He was still leading the competition with 17 tries coming in to final round of the season, but was surpassed when Kyle Feldt scored 3 tries and then Alex Johnston scored 5.[43]

2021[edit]

With the departure of Benji Marshall at the end of 2020, Nofoaluma entered the season as Wests Tigers' long serving player.[44]

In round 9, he scored two tries in a 28-36 loss against the Gold Coast at Campbelltown.[45] In round 18 against Brisbane, he scored his 85th and 86th try for the Wests Tigers, becoming their all-time leading try scorer, surpassing the record of 84 held by Marshall and Chris Lawrence.[46]

Nofoaluma played in all 24 regular season games, his 13 tries the most for the club in 2021. He led the competition in offloads, completing 50,[47] and placed 11th for tackle breaks,[47] and 6th in runs.[47]

2022[edit]

In round 6 of the 2022 NRL season, Nofoaluma scored two tries for the Wests Tigers in a 21-20 upset victory over Parramatta. Wests had gone into the match having lost their opening five games.[48] The following week, he scored a further two tries in the clubs 23-22 victory over South Sydney.[48]

In June, Nofoaluma played his third match for Samoa, scoring four tries against the Cook Islands in a comfortable victory at his "home ground" of Campbelltown Stadium. With 202 metres running, nine tackle busts and two linebreaks, he was called "the star of the show".[49]

On 27 July, Nofoaluma joined Melbourne on loan until the end of the season.[50] In round 21, he made his debut for them against the Gold Coast Titans. He had his jersey (cap 224) presented to him by former Wests Tigers and Melbourne player Harry Grant. In the elimination final, he played for Melbourne in their 28-20 loss against Canberra. Before the elimination final took place, Nofoaluma had the second longest finals drought of any active player.[51][52][53] The match was Nofoaluma's last appearance for Melbourne, after making six appearances and scoring four tries, with the winger set to return to Wests Tigers for the 2023 season.[54]

2023[edit]

In round 9 of the 2023 NRL season, Nofoaluma scored his 100th try in the NRL as the Wests Tigers recorded their first victory in 273 days defeating back to back premiers Penrith 12-8.[55] In round 12, Nofoaluma scored two tries for Wests in their 66-18 victory over North Queensland.[56] Nofoaluma played a total of 17 games for the Wests Tigers in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished with the Wooden Spoon for a second straight year.[57]

2024[edit]

On 23 January, Nofoaluma was served with a termination letter by the Wests Tigers and departed the club with immediate effect with two years on his contract still remaining. It was alleged that Nofoaluma had been served with two breach notices from the club with the first being for the reason of showing up late to pre-season training, it was also alleged he skipped another training session citing gastro, where he ignored all attempts to be contacted to where the club had to send a team mate to perform a welfare check in on him.[58] Nofoaluma was released from the Wests Tigers on 23 January.[59][60] On 14 February, Nofoaluma signed a one-year deal with English side Salford.[61][62]

On the same day, Nofoaluma took a swipe at his former club saying “Obviously, it’s disappointing. It hurts me personally, A lot of times, people don’t realise we’re humans before athletes. Instead of dealing with it on a personal level … there’s no need to go to the press (to leak negative stories). I don’t think it’s a nice thing to do. It shows what type of club you are. I don’t have to deal with that any more, which is a good thing".[63]

In round 5 of the 2024 Super League season, Nofoaluma made his club debut for Salford against Wigan in which Salford lost 22-12.[64]

Statistics[edit]

Year Team Games Tries Pts
2013 Wests Tigers 15 8 32
2014 15 7 28
2015 10 6 24
2016 23 14 56
2017 24 8 32
2018 18 6 24
2019 14 8 32
2020 20 17 68
2021 24 13 52
2022 12 8 32
2022 (loan) Melbourne Storm 6 4 16
2023 Wests Tigers 17 5 20
2024* Salford Red Devils 0 0 0
Totals 198 104 416

*denotes season competing

References[edit]

  1. ^ "David Nofoaluma - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  2. ^ "David Nofoaluma player results, scores, news and statistics". Rleague.com. Archived from the original on 3 September 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  3. ^ Wayne Cousins (30 September 2013). "Wests Tigers win NYC Premiership". weststigers.com.au. Archived from the original on 23 May 2013. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  4. ^ "Major Signings For Wests Tigers". Weststigers.com.au. Archived from the original on 9 July 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  5. ^ "NRL team changes - Tigers". Weststigers.com.au. 17 May 2013. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Live : Rabbitohs v. Tigers". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  7. ^ Todd Balym (25 May 2013). "David Nofoaluma's stunning try sees Tigers beat Cowboys 22-20 in thriller at Leichhardt Oval". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  8. ^ Justin Davies (9 June 2013). "Tigers stun complacent Panthers". League Unlimited. Archived from the original on 14 August 2013. Retrieved 9 June 2013.
  9. ^ Dean Ritchie (31 July 2013). "Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma's freak try reaches Hollywood". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  10. ^ Evin Priest (8 October 2013). "Ruse winger David Nofoaluma's stunning round 20 four-pointer given Dally M Try of the Year". Macarthur Chronicle Campbelltown. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  11. ^ Michael Carayannis (30 July 2013). "Leaping Tiger Nofoaluma amazed by wonder try". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 September 2013.
  12. ^ "statistics". Rugby League Week. No. 12 September 2013. Sydney, NSW: Bauer Media Group. p. 50.
  13. ^ Phil Gould (22 September 2013). "Thirteen for '13: My team of the year". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  14. ^ Steve Mascord (16 March 2014). "James Tedesco injury scare almost ruined big Wests Tigers win over Gold Coast Titans". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
  15. ^ Priest, Evin (11 April 2014). "Wests Tigers re-sign local product David Nofoaluma on three-year NRL contract". Macarthur Chronicle. Retrieved 9 May 2015.
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  24. ^ James Matthey. "Live: City vs Country Origin at Scully Park, Tamworth". News.com.au.
  25. ^ "Tackle Breaks". nrl.com. Archived from the original on 5 September 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2016.
  26. ^ Dan Talintyre. "Unfiltered: David Nofoaluma". weststigers.com.au.
  27. ^ a b Nick Walshaw. "Moses Suli stars with brilliant debut in Tigers victory over South Sydney". The Daily Telegraph.
  28. ^ "Match Centre". Fox Sports.
  29. ^ Media, NRL Digital. "David Nofoaluma commits to Wests Tigers". NRL CLUBS. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  30. ^ Adrian Proszenko. "NRL 2018: David Nofoaluma plays through the pain for Wests Tigers". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017.
  31. ^ "Player stats". nrl.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017.
  32. ^ "Player stats". nrl.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017.
  33. ^ Paul Zalunardo. "Konrad Hurrell and David Nofoaluma the surprise selections in RLPA team of the year". Wide World of Sports.
  34. ^ Adrian Proszenko. "'The biggest shock of my career': Nofoaluma didn't see axing coming". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  35. ^ Adrian Proszenko. "Nofoaluma back after injury strikes Wests Tigers' round one hero". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  36. ^ "David Nofoaluma disgusted by foul-mouthed taunts from Roosters fan, NRL official responds". Sporting News.
  37. ^ "Pearce shoulders blame for 'unacceptable' surrender". NRL.
  38. ^ "Benji brilliant as Tigers down dropsy dragons". www.foxsports.com.au.
  39. ^ "NRL Stats". nrl.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020.
  40. ^ "Talau brings wow factor". www.nrl.com.
  41. ^ "David Nofoaluma 'definitely' deserves NSW Blues selection says Maguire following Manly miracle". www.sportingnews.com.
  42. ^ Troy Whittaker. "Tigers produce miracle comeback to run down Sea Eagles". nrl.com.
  43. ^ Darcie McDonald. "'Wonderful moment in sport': Selfless act hands Souths flyer highest tryscorer honour". www.foxsports.com.au.
  44. ^ Christian Nicolussi. "'Why can't I have my say?' Nofoaluma still considers himself leader". The Age.
  45. ^ "North Queensland Cowboys beat Brisbane Broncos 19-18, Gold Coast Titans defeat Wests Tigers 36-28, Knights down Raiders 24-16". www.abc.net.au.
  46. ^ "Canterbury's Lachlan Lewis sin-binned in 32-24 NRL loss to South Sydney as Penrith, Wests Tigers triumph". www.abc.net.au.
  47. ^ a b c "Stats Players". nrl.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021.
  48. ^ a b "Tigers hero Jackson Hastings mic drop says it all about Luke Brooks". www.news.com.au.
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  50. ^ "How David Nofoaluma's loan move highlights potential dangers of current transfer system". wwos.nine.com.au.
  51. ^ "Nofoaluma's NRL finals drought set to end". www.canberratimes.com.au.
  52. ^ "'Mission impossible': Raiders make history as Storm crash out in week one for first time since 2014". www.foxsports.com.au.
  53. ^ "Brooks on Nofoalumas mind with finals drought ending". www.nrl.com.
  54. ^ "David Nofoaluma: Season in Review". melbournestorm.com.au. 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
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  56. ^ "Felise Kaufusi in doubt for State of Origin I as Melbourne Storm get past Dolphins 24-16". www.abc.net.au.
  57. ^ "'Circus act' that summed up year from hell... and big call left for Benji: Wests Tigers Brutal Review". www.foxsports.com.au.
  58. ^ "Tigers confirm ugly divorce as Nofoaluma shown door after explosive Benji accusations". www.foxsports.com.au.
  59. ^ "David Nofoaluma exit: Wests Tigers confirm winger's departure from club | Sporting News Australia". www.sportingnews.com. 23 January 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
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  61. ^ "Ex-Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma makes Super League move". www.totalrl.com.
  62. ^ Drew Darbyshire (14 February 2024). "How Salford Red Devils secured the surprise signing of David Nofoaluma". Love Rugby League.
  63. ^ "'It hurts me': Nofoaluma opens up on ugly Tigers exit after signing with new club". www.foxsports.com.au.
  64. ^ "Super League: Salford Red Devils 12-22 Wigan Warriors - Two late tries maintain Wigan's winning run". www.bbc.co.uk.

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