Latu Fainu

Latu Fainu is a Tonga international rugby league footballer who plays as a and for the Wests Tigers in the NRL.

Background

Fainu was born in Guildford, New South Wales. He is of Tongan and Maori descent. His uncle, Tevita Amone, played for the Western Suburbs Magpies and the North Queensland Cowboys.
He attended Patrician Brothers' College, Fairfield as well as Westfields Sports High School and played his junior rugby league for the Guildford Owls.
He has three older brothers, Manase, Sione, and Samuela, who were all signed to the Manly club.

Early career

Fainu played in the Harold Matthews Cup for Manly in 2021 as they went undefeated that season. In July 2023, it was reported that Fainu had signed a four-year deal worth nearly $2 million to join the Wests Tigers ahead of the 2024 NRL season.

Playing career

In November 2023, Fainu made his début for Tonga in the third test of their 2023 tour of England.
In round 5 of the NRL season, Fainu made his first grade debut for the Wests Tigers against the Dolphins.
Fainu played nine games for the Wests Tigers throughout the 2024 NRL season as the club finished with the Wooden Spoon for a third consecutive year. Fainu was one of five players that were sanctioned for coming back to November pre-season training out of shape.