Fuifui Moimoi

Fuifui Moimoi (born 26 September 1979) is a rugby league footballer who plays as a prop for Workington Town in League 1.

He previously played Rugby League for Toronto Wolfpack in the English League One, Leigh Centurions in the English Championship and, most notably, Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL). A New Zealand and Tonga international representative forward, Moimoi made over 200 NRL appearances for Parramatta where he attained cult status.

He briefly played rugby union for Bradford & Bingley RFC in 2018.

Playing career

2000s

A Point Chevalier Pirates and Glenora Bears junior, Moimoi was spotted by then New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson in 2002 while playing in the Bartercard Cup for the Mt Albert Lions. Moimoi then joined the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the 2003 NRL season as a trialist but departed the club and joined Parramatta. In 2007, Moi Moi spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about his departure from Souths saying that he was frustrated with the minimal game time and chances head coach Paul Langmack was giving him. Moi Moi claimed that he attended a training session at Redfern Oval and only trained for 10 minutes before walking off. Langmack reportedly said "Where are you going?", Moi Moi replied "I'm going home. I play 10 minutes, I train 10 minutes".

He made his first grade debut for the Parramatta in round 6 of the 2004 NRL season against Manly-Warringah at Brookvale Oval.

In the 2005 NRL season, Moi Moi made 8 appearances as Parramatta won the minor premiership and were favourites to take out the premiership. Moi Moi missed the finals series through injury as Parramatta were defeated 29-0 in the preliminary final by North Queensland at Telstra Stadium.

At club level, MoiMoi made 21 appearances for Parramatta in the 2007 NRL season as the club reached another preliminary final but were defeated by Melbourne 26-10.

In the 2009 NRL season, Moi Moi was part of the Parramatta side which made it all the way to the grand final. In the final, Moi Moi scored a memorable try in the second half where he beat five players to make it to the try line and score in the corner.

2010s

On 20 April 2010, Moimoi signed a further 2-year contract to continue to play with the Eels until the end of 2012.

In June 2012, Moimoi was reported as wishing to continue his football career until the end of the 2016 NRL season.

In 2014, Moimoi decided to retire from the NRL after 11 years and 201 first grade games the Eels. The club had advised Moimoi that he would not be retained for the following season.

On 30 November 2014, it was confirmed that Moimoi had signed a one-year deal with the English club Leigh Centurions with the option to extend for a further year.

In 2015, Moi Moi spoke to the media about his time at Parramatta and how he had felt betrayed by coach Brad Arthur. Moi Moi alleged a personal vendetta denied him the opportunity to play his farewell match at Pirtek Stadium. Moimoi said he worked hard to ensure he couldn't be dropped but was demoted to the Intrust Super Premiership NSW. He rebuffed an opportunity to make a mid-season switch to Manly because he wanted to play his 200th game for Parramatta. When Penrith approached him with an offer Moimoi was swayed to stay by Arthur who insisted he would return to first grade. However, he was denied the chance to farewell his supporters in the final home game of the year when he was axed again.

"It was the hardest thing I've ever been through in my career," he said. "It made me feel so angry. Brad said he had to pick the best 17, but I know I was still better than some of those players he selected." Moi Moi's hurt was compounded because while many of his teammates were said to be unhappy about his treatment he only heard from Peni Terepo, Nathan Cayless and Jarryd Hayne: "Some of the boys who I thought were my good mates didn't even call me to see how I was going".

Wikipedia