Felise Kaufusi has been appointed as the new General President of the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).
The 33-year-old Dolphins hardman replaces Daly Cherry-Evans, who stepped away from the role in November, and will now be a key figure in negotiations for the next NRL collective bargaining agreement.
“It’s a huge honour and responsibility and the role of General President carries a lot of weight,” Kaufusi said of his new off-field role.
“My goal is to leave the RLPA in a better place than when I started, like those before me.
“There is a CBA negotiation coming up and I want to be a strong voice for the players and stand up for what is right and fair in our terms and conditions. I will always be there on behalf of our players.”
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RLPA chief executive Clint Newton, who was General President himself from 2013 to 2017, praised Kaufisi’s appointment.
“Felise is someone I admire enormously, not just for the player he is, but for the person he is,” Newton said.
“He has firmly established himself as a genuine leader on and off the field, and we are incredibly proud to have him step into this role on behalf of all players.”
“I know he’ll hit the ground running, continue to grow, and lead in a way that players trust and respect.”
A veteran of 223 NRL games, 17 State of Origin appearances and internationals for both Tonga and Australia, Kaufusi made history as the Dolphins’ first-ever signing back in 2022 and will remain at the Redcliffe club until the end of 2027 after inking a two-year extension in August.
Kaufusi was already on the RLPA Board and will retain that position alongside chair Steven Harker AM.