David Hala
A powerhouse Tongan prop whose hard-running style and formidable presence fueled NRL and international campaigns for over a decade.
Born 1989 (age 37)·Tonga international rugby league footballer·Birthday: October 25·Millennials
Biography
David Hala's rugby league career is defined by raw physicality and a journey across the Pacific. Emerging from Brisbane's grassroots, the forward made his NRL debut for the Broncos in 2009, instantly recognizable for his imposing frame and aggressive carries. His path took him to the Gold Coast Titans before he found a lasting home with the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup, where he became a leader and a cornerstone of their forward pack. Beyond club football, Hala's passion was representing Tonga on the international stage, bringing his trademark intensity to the Mate Ma'a jersey during a period of resurgence for Tongan rugby league, embodying the sport's deep cultural roots in the islands.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
David was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played in the NRL for the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans.
- Represented Tonga in international rugby league, including in World Cup competitions.
- Became a key veteran player and leader for the Redcliffe Dolphins in the Queensland Cup.
Did You Know?
He is the cousin of fellow professional rugby league player Felise Kaufusi.
He played his junior rugby league for the Aspley Devils in Brisbane.
He stands at 191 cm (6'3") and played at around 118 kg (260 lbs) during his career.
“My job is to run hard, hit hard, and leave a mark on every carry.”
