Josh Liavaʻa


Tuʻiono Siosiua "Josh" Liavaʻa was a Tongan-born rugby league player who represented New Zealand national [rugby league team|New Zealand] in the 1975 [Rugby League World Cup|1975 World Cup], known for his relationships with Tongan royal family members.

Playing career

A Northcote Tigers player in the Auckland Rugby League competition, Liavaʻa played for Auckland and in 1975 was picked in the New Zealand national rugby league team for the 1975 [Rugby League World Cup|1975 World Cup].
In 1977 Liavaʻa played for New Zealand Māori in the Pacific Cup.

Personal life

Liavaʻa was a member of the New Zealand Police. He was a detective and later a uniform branch sergeant. He completed a Diploma in Criminology at Auckland University. During the early 1980s, he and fellow police officer; inspector Ross Meurant, established a private security company they registered in their wives'names, to avoid being "Court Martialed" for conflicts of interest. Maiden Security operated for 5 years until Meurant entered parliament as an MP in 1987.
After leaving the police, Liavaʻa ran a nightclub in Sydney.
Liavaʻa was married several times, including to:
In the 1980s Liavaʻa reportedly had an affair with Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV's only daughter, Princess Pilolevu Tuita.
He died from a gunshot in Hawaii on 13 July 2014.