In The NRL

I'm Willie Tonga, a former NRL player who had the privilege of playing for teams like the Parramatta Eels, Canterbury Bulldogs, and North Queensland Cowboys. My career had its fair share of highlights, including a Premiership win and the honor of representing both Australia and Queensland in international and State of Origin competitions.

Despite these achievements, my journey through rugby league was filled with many personal challenges. Frequent injuries tested my resilience, requiring constant physical and mental determination to return to the field each time. More quietly, I battled with depression throughout my career, a struggle that taught me much about strength and vulnerability.

After retiring from professional rugby, I faced the tough transition to everyday life, which was harder than I anticipated. This experience has deepened my commitment to mental health advocacy, and I now focus on using my story to help others. As a speaker and mentor, I aim to support those who might be dealing with similar challenges, sharing insights and encouragement drawn from my own life's ups and downs.

Guest Speaker Willie Tonga

Meet Willie Tonga, a proud Wiradjuri and Tongan man, who has maintained strong roots with his hometown of Cherbourg. An inspirational guest speaker, Willie draws on his experiences in professional rugby league and personal resilience to connect deeply with his audience. Having overcome significant challenges, including mental health struggles, he is passionate about supporting the community by sharing his journey of adversity, mental wellness, and life transitions.

Invite Willie Tonga to speak at your event and empower your audience with the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate their own challenges and unlock their potential.

Our Services

Willie Tonga brings a wealth of experience engaging with communities across regional and metropolitan Australia, working with individuals of all ages—from kids to elders. His services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each audience, offering dynamic workshops, inspiring guest speaking engagements, and dedicated mentoring for youth. With a strong focus on connection, empowerment, and cultural enrichment, Willie creates meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact on the communities he serves.

Workshops

Customised workshops designed for youth justice centres and schools, focusing on empowerment and resilience.
Interactive sessions tailored to engage and inspire young minds with real-life lessons and skills.
Programs that foster personal growth, teamwork, and community connection.

Guest Speaker

Experienced MC for community sports events, creating an engaging and memorable atmosphere.
Inspiring guest speaker for luncheons, sharing personal stories and lessons of resilience and determination.
Professional presentations at corporate events, connecting cultural awareness with team motivation.

Mentoring

Casual yet impactful engagement with youth, offering guidance and support.
One-on-one or group mentoring to encourage confidence and build a positive mindset.
A relatable and trusted role model for young people navigating challenges in life.

Willie Tonga has been actively involved in workshops with representing to regional communities and sharing practical insights on mental wellness, resilience, and personal growth. These workshops aim to inspire individuals by drawing from Willie’s lived experiences and fostering meaningful conversations around mental health. In addition to his community work, Willie has been a sought-after guest speaker at various corporate events and luncheons, where his powerful storytelling and motivational talks leave lasting impressions on diverse audiences.

Working With the Best

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather today, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present, and emerging, and recognize their continuing connection to land, waters, and culture. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and honor the rich history and traditions of the First Nations peoples of Australia.