Felise Kaufusi
A relentless Tongan-Australian forward whose punishing tackles and tireless work rate became the engine room for champion NRL teams and Pacific island pride.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Australia and Tonga international rugby league footballer·Birthday: May 19·Millennials
Biography
Felise Kaufusi doesn't just play rugby league; he administers punishment with a smile. The Melbourne Storm system forged him into the prototype modern edge forward: indefatigable, defensively brutal, and deceptively skillful with the ball. After early stints with the North Queensland Cowboys, it was in the purple jersey where he became a star, winning premierships and perfecting the art of the aggressive, line-speed defensive set. Kaufusi was the player opponents hated to see in their peripheral vision, a constant disruptive force. His international career reflects a modern rugby league narrative, proudly representing his Tongan heritage in the historic rise of the Mate Ma'a Tonga squad before also answering the call for the Australian Kangaroos. In 2023, he embraced a new challenge as a foundation player for the expansion Dolphins, bringing his veteran presence and trademark intensity to build a new club's culture from the ground up.
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.
Felise was born in 1992, 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 Felise Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Felise's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two NRL Premierships with the Melbourne Storm in 2017 and 2020.
- Represented Mate Ma'a Tonga in their historic run to the semi-finals of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.
- Played for Australia in the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, winning the tournament.
- Named in the NRL Dally M Team of the Year in 2021.
Did You Know?
His father, Felise Kaufusi Sr., also played professional rugby league and represented Tonga.
He is a devout Mormon and served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brisbane before his NRL career.
Kaufusi played his junior rugby for the Caboolture Bulldogs in Queensland.
“I love the contact. A good, clean hit sets the tone for the whole match.”
