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John Asiata
Personal information
Full nameAtalani Selesele-Asiata[1][2]
Born (1993-04-19) 19 April 1993 (age 31)
Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight16 st 7 lb (105 kg)
Playing information
PositionLoose forward, Prop, Stand-off
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2014–20 North Qld Cowboys 128 4 0 0 16
2021 Brisbane Broncos 10 1 0 0 4
2022–24 Leigh Leopards 62 9 0 0 36
2025– Hull FC 0 0 0 0 0
Total 200 14 0 0 56
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2016–24 Samoa 3 0 0 0 0
2019 Tonga 2 0 0 0 0
Source: [3]
As of 27 October 2024

Atalani "John" Asiata (born 19 April 1993) is a professional rugby league footballer who plays as a loose forward, prop and stand-off for the Hull FC in the Super League, and has played for both Samoa and Tonga at international level.

He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League, forming part of the Cowboys' 2015 NRL Grand Final and 2016 World Club Challenge winning sides.

Background

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Asiata was born in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia to a Samoan father and a Samoan/Tongan mother.[4][5]

He played his junior football for the Minchinbury Jets before moving to Wentworthville Magpies whilst attending Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown.[6]

Playing career

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In 2009, Asiata was a member of the Parramatta Eels side that finished runners-up in the Harold Matthews Cup.[7] In 2010, he played with the Western Sydney Academy in the S.G. Ball Cup before being signed by the Sydney Roosters.[8] He played for the Roosters' S.G. Ball team in 2011 and played for their National Youth Competition (NYC) team in 2012 and 2013.[9] At the end of 2013, Asiata was named at lock in the 2013 NYC team of the year.[10] In November 2013 Asiata signed a two-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys, starting in 2014, following his Sydney Roosters NYC coach, Paul Green, to the North Queensland outfit.[11]

2014

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Asiata started the year playing for the North Queensland Queensland Cup affiliate, the Mackay Cutters. He would play 18 games for them in 2014, scoring five tries.

In round 12 of the 2014 NRL season, Asiata made his debut for the North Queensland club, against the Melbourne Storm, off interchange bench in their 22–0 win at 1300SMILES Stadium.[12][13] Asiata finished his debut year in the NRL with 6 matches for the Cowboys. On 14 October 2014, Asiata was named the Cowboys' rookie of the year at their annual presentation ball.[7]

2015

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On 31 January and 1 February, Asiata played for North Queensland's in the 2015 NRL Auckland Nines.[14] On 27 April, he was named in Samoa's 18-man squad to face Tonga in the 2015 Polynesian Cup. He was the side's 18th man and did not participate in the match.[15] In round 9, he made his first start in the NRL, in North Queensland's 23–16 victory over the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.[16] On 21 May, he re-signed with North Queensland on a two-year contract until the end of the 2017 NRL season.[17][18] On 4 October, in the 2015 NRL Grand Final against the Brisbane Broncos, Asiata played off the interchange bench in the clubs golden-point 17–16 win.[19][20] He finished off his premiership winning 2015 season having played in 25 matches.[21]

2016

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On 2 February, Asiata was named in North Queensland's 2016 NRL Auckland Nines squad.[22] On 21 February, he was a member of the Cowboys' 2016 World Club Challenge winning side, coming off the bench in the side's 38–4 victory over Leeds at Headingley Stadium.[23] On 7 May, he made his international debut for Samoa against Tonga in the 2016 Polynesian Cup.[24] Asiata played 19 games in 2016, which included his third career start, against the Canberra Raiders in Round 18.[25]

2017

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In Round 7 of the 2017 NRL season, Asiata started at halfback against the St. George Illawarra Dragons, replacing the injured Johnathan Thurston.[26] In the 26–20 loss, Asiata finished the game with two try-assists and two line-break assists. On 16 May, he re-signed with the North Queensland club until the end of the 2020 NRL season.[27]

In North Queensland's semi-final win over the Parramatta Eels, his 76th NRL game, Asiata scored his first ever NRL try.[28] On 1 October, he played off the interchange bench in North Queensland's 2017 NRL Grand Final loss to the Melbourne Storm. Asiata finished the 2017 season playing in all 28 games for the club.

2018

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After playing in the first seven games of the 2018 NRL season, Asiata suffered a pectoral tear in North Queensland's 26–14 win over the Gold Coast Titans, which saw him miss 11 weeks.[29] He returned for the side's Round 18 game against Canberra and played the last eight games of the season.[30] Due to the injury, he finished the season with just 15 games played (starting four of them), his lowest total since his rookie season.

2019

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Asiata played in all 24 games for North Queensland in 2019, scoring three tries, his highest single-season try tally. Due to injuries, he spent considerable time in the halves once again, starting 11 games at five-eighth and one at halfback. In Round 7, he played his 100th NRL game in the sides 12–24 loss to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.[31] On 22 June, he made his debut for Tonga, starting at five-eighth in their 14–34 loss to New Zealand.[32]

2020

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Asiata played in the first four games of the season for North Queensland before suffering a knee injury in a 16–26 loss to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, ruling him out for eight weeks.[33] He returned in the clubs Round 12 loss to the Canberra Raiders.[34] In Round 18, Asiata was charged with dangerous contact and was suspended for one game.[35]

On 24 September, North Queensland announced that Asiata would leave the club at the end of the season. In Round 20, he played his final game for North Queensland, a 32–16 win over the Brisbane Broncos.[36] On 3 October, he won the Cowboys' Club Person of the Year award for the second time.[37] In November 2020, Asiata signed a one-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos.

2021

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On 16 September, Asiata signed a one-year deal with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs commencing in 2022.[38] However the contract was terminated on 7 December for his continual refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

On 15 December it was announced that Asiata had signed for English Betfred Championship side Leigh Centurions.[39]

2022

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In round 1 of the 2022 Championship season, Asiata made his club debut for Leigh in their 50–4 victory over Whitehaven R.L.F.C.[40] On 28 May 2022, Asiata played for Leigh in their 2022 RFL 1895 Cup final victory over Featherstone.[41] On 3 October 2022, Asiata played for Leigh in their Million Pound Game victory over Batley which saw the club promoted back to the Super League.[42]

2023

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Following Leigh's 12-10 Challenge Cup semi-final victory over St Helens, Asiata was cited but not suspended for alleged cannonball tackles. It was reported that four players suffered injuries following tackles from Asiata with Alex Walmsley and Agnatius Paasi being ruled out for the season. St Helens head coach Paul Wellens accused the RFL of not protecting players following the game.[43][44][45] On 12 August, Asiata captained Leigh Leopards in their Challenge Cup final victory over Hull Kingston Rovers.[46] Asiata played 24 games for Leigh in the 2023 Super League season as the club finished fifth on the table and qualified for the playoffs.[47]

2024

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In round 3 of the 2024 Super League season, Leigh played against St Helens for the first time since the Challenge Cup semi-final with Asiata performing a cannonball tackle within the first minute of the match similar to the tackles he performed last year in the corresponding fixture. Asiata was given a yellow card and ban over the incident, however the ban received was later rescinded as it was deemed Asiata's action were not illegal. Asiata later returned to the match but suffered a torn calf muscle as Leigh lost the game 12-4.[48] On 2 October 2024 it was reported that he had signed for Hull F.C. on a three-year deal.[49][50]

Achievements and accolades

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Individual

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Team

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Statistics

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NRL

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Statistics are correct to the end of round 22 of the Super League Season 2023[3]
† Denotes seasons in which Asiata won an NRL Premiership
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts
2014 North Queensland 6 0 0 — 0 0
2015† 25 0 0 — 0 0
2016 19 0 0 — 0 0
2017 28 1 0 — 0 4
2018 15 0 0 — 0 0
2019 24 3 0 — 0 12
2020 11 0 0 — 0 0
2021 Brisbane Broncos 10 1 4
2022 Leigh Leopards 31 7 28
2023 26 1 4
2024 8
2025 Hull FC 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career totals 200 14 0 — 0 56

International

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Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts
2016 Samoa Samoa 1 0 0 — 0 0
2017 Samoa Samoa 1 0 0 — 0 0
2019 Tonga Tonga 1 0 0 — 0 0
Career totals 3 0 0 — 0 0

Personal life

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Asiata and his wife, Shailah, have three children: a daughter, Eleana, and two sons, JJ and Izzy[51][52]

References

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  1. ^ "Player statistics for Atalani Asiata - FOX SPORTS PULSE". Wangarattafc.vcfl.com.au. 14 September 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  2. ^ "2011 NSWRL JUNIOR REP'S TEAM LISTS". Ourfootyteam.com. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  3. ^ a b "John Asiata - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project.
  4. ^ Webeck, Tony (8 June 2019). "Asiata to make call on rep eligibility". NRL.com. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  5. ^ "Former Samoa Toa player to represent Tonga". Radio NZ. 15 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  6. ^ "2011 President's Teams - New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges". Sportingpulse.com. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  7. ^ a b "John Asiata reflects on the role his father in helping him resurrect his rugby league career". Townsville Bulletin. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  8. ^ "nswrl junior rep 2010 team lists, harold matthew's cup team lists, sg ball team lists". Ourfootyteam.com. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  9. ^ "John Asiata Player". Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  10. ^ "2013 Holden Cup Team of the Year". NRL.com. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  11. ^ "Asiata joins Cowboys on NRL contract | NRL". Zero Tackle. 12 November 2013. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  12. ^ "Live updates: Cowboys v Storm". Archived from the original on 31 May 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  13. ^ "Depleted Storm no match for Cowboys". NRL.com. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  14. ^ "COWBOYS UNVEIL 2015 NINES SQUAD". Rugby League Week. 27 January 2015. Archived from the original on 31 January 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  15. ^ "Samoa Named To Face Tonga In Pacific Test". Rugby League Week. 27 April 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  16. ^ "Rugby League Tables / North Queensland 23 v Canterbury 16 / Round 9, 2015". Afltables.com. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  17. ^ "Asiata extends Cowboys' contract". Cowboys.com.au. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  18. ^ "Asiata re-signs with Cowboys". NRL.com. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2015.
  19. ^ "NRL Grand Final 2015: North Queensland Cowboys outgun Brisbane Broncos to win premiership". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  20. ^ "NRL Grand Final Player Ratings". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2015.
  21. ^ "Custom Match List". Rugby League Project. 29 October 2015. Retrieved 25 December 2015.
  22. ^ "Cowboys name strong Nines squad". Rugby League Week. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016. Retrieved 2 February 2016.
  23. ^ "North Queensland Cowboys thump Leeds in World Club Challenge, James Tamou punched by Mitch Garbutt". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 25 February 2016.
  24. ^ "Samoa too good for Tonga in fiery Pacific Test clash at Pirtek Stadium". Dailytelegraph.com.au. 7 May 2016. Retrieved 8 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Custom Match List - Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  26. ^ "Team list: Cowboys v Dragons". North Queensland Cowboys. 15 April 2017.
  27. ^ "Signing news for Asiata, Clifford". North Queensland Cowboys. 16 May 2017.
  28. ^ Gabor, Martin (17 September 2017). "Asiata's first try for 'Cowboys family'". NRL.com. Retrieved 18 September 2017.
  29. ^ "Round 7 NRL injuries, casualty ward: Mitchell Pearce, Jesse Bromwich, Andrew McCullough, John Asiata | Fox Sports".
  30. ^ "Asiata's return boosts Cowboys but skipper Scott still sidelined". National Rugby League. 10 July 2018.
  31. ^ "Couriermail.com.au | Subscribe to The Courier Mail for exclusive stories".
  32. ^ "Former Toa Samoa player John Asiata had to get dad's permission to play for Mate Ma'a Tonga" – via TVNZ.
  33. ^ "Injury news: John Asiata". NQ Cowboys. 8 June 2020.
  34. ^ "Five things you need to know: Round 12 v Raiders". NQ Cowboys. 31 July 2020.
  35. ^ "Round 18 charges: McGuire, Asiata to miss Panthers match". NRL. 15 September 2020.
  36. ^ "Five things you need to know: Round 20 v Brisbane". NQ Cowboys. 24 September 2020.
  37. ^ "2020 Presentation Night: Live Updates". NQ Cowboys. 2 October 2020.
  38. ^ "Bulldogs' backline boost as rising star re-signs; Eels hooker seals UK exit: Transfer Centre". www.foxsports.com.au.
  39. ^ Darbyshire, Drew (15 December 2021). "NRL forward John Asiata makes Championship switch". LoveRugbyLeague. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  40. ^ "Nene Macdonald hat-trick as Leigh Centurions pay tribute to Des Drummond". www.leighjournal.co.uk.
  41. ^ "Featherstone Rovers: 1895 Cup final defeat to Leigh Centurions gives Brian McDermott's side signal of their progress". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk.
  42. ^ "Leigh 44-12 Batley: Centurions seal Super League return with deserved win in Championship Grand Final". www.skysports.com.
  43. ^ "Paul Wellens: St Helens boss accuses RFL of failing to protect players after Leigh cup loss". www.bbc.co.uk.
  44. ^ "St Helens duo out for the season after "incredibly dangerous" tackles". www.seriousaboutrl.com.
  45. ^ "Furious St Helens boss slams RFL and rival as FOUR players injured by tackle technique". www.mirror.co.uk.
  46. ^ "Challenge Cup final: Hull KR 16-17 Leigh Leopards - Leigh claim first Wembley final win in 52 years". www.bbc.co.uk.
  47. ^ "Leigh Leopards 2023 season in review". www.leighleopards.co.uk.
  48. ^ "Why Leigh Leopards captain John Asiata escaped ban after yellow card in St Helens clash". www.totalrl.com.
  49. ^ "Hull FC sign Leigh Leopards captain Asiata for 2025". www.bbc.co.uk.
  50. ^ Ben Olawumi (2 October 2024). "John Asiata makes Hull FC move admission and pays emotional Leigh Leopards tribute". Love Rugby League. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  51. ^ Nugentl, Victoria (30 August 2017). "John Asiata announces birth of child". Courier Mail.
  52. ^ "Subscribe to the Townsville Bulletin". www.townsvillebulletin.com.au.
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