Michael Oldfield (rugby league)
A speedy and versatile back who carved out a long professional career across Australia's NRL, representing both Tonga and the Indigenous All Stars.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Tonga international rugby league footballer·Birthday: November 24·Millennials
Biography
Michael Oldfield’s rugby league journey is a testament to persistence and adaptability. Of Indigenous Australian and Tongan heritage, he debuted for the Sydney Roosters in 2011, showcasing the blistering pace that would become his trademark. What followed was a classic journeyman’s career, as he lent his skills to multiple NRL clubs including the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Canberra Raiders, and finally the Parramatta Eels. Oldfield was never a permanent superstar, but he was a valuable and reliable utility back, capable of filling in at wing or centre with game-breaking speed. His international career reflected his dual heritage; he proudly represented Tonga in several test matches and also earned selection for the Indigenous All Stars team, honoring his Australian Aboriginal roots. His longevity in one of the world’s most physically demanding leagues speaks to his professionalism and resilience.
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.
Michael was born in 1990, 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 Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Represented the Tonga national rugby league team in multiple international matches.
- Played in the National Rugby League for over a decade, appearing for four different clubs.
- Selected to play for the Indigenous All Stars team, honoring his Aboriginal heritage.
- Scored over 40 tries in his NRL career, utilizing his notable speed as a winger.
Did You Know?
He is of Indigenous Australian (Wiradjuri) and Tongan descent.
His cousin, James Roberts, also played professional rugby league in the NRL.
He played his junior rugby league for the La Perouse Panthers in Sydney.
He spent time playing for the Catalans Dragons in the European Super League during the 2020 season.
“My speed is my weapon, but you have to know when to use it.”
