Leilani Latu
A powerhouse prop whose hard-running style earned him cult status in the NRL before a successful shift to the English Super League.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Tonga international rugby league player·Birthday: February 5·Millennials
Biography
Leilani Latu's rugby league journey is one of perseverance and imposing physicality. Of Tongan heritage, he climbed through the Penrith Panthers system, making his NRL debut in 2016. It was at the Gold Coast Titans, however, where he truly broke out, becoming one of the competition's most effective bench forwards, renowned for his strong carries and defensive work. Seeking a new challenge, he moved to the Warrington Wolves in the English Super League in 2019. There, his consistent performances made him a key figure in the pack. Latu also proudly represented Tonga on the international stage, contributing to the rise of the Mate Ma'a during a golden period for the nation.
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.
Leilani was born in 1993, 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 Leilani Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Leilani's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2019 Super League Leaders' Shield with the Warrington Wolves.
- Represented Tonga in their historic 2019 victory over Australia.
- Played over 50 NRL games for the Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans.
- Was named in the 2016 Intrust Super Premiership Team of the Year while playing for Penrith.
Did You Know?
His first name, Leilani, means 'heavenly flower' or 'royal child' in Hawaiian.
He played junior rugby league for the St Marys Saints in Sydney.
Latu is a qualified personal trainer outside of his rugby career.
“My job is to run hard, tackle hard, and make my family and my people proud.”
