[citation needed] He was the first child of Tongan immigrant John (Sione) Tonga and Wiradjuri woman, Maria Naden.

[citation needed] Showing a talent at a young age while living in Peak Hill, New South Wales, Tonga soon adopted rugby league and played for the Cootamundra side while his parents attended the Bimbadeen Bible College.

His career catapulted in that one year, earning State of Origin selection, allowing him to become the 145th player to be chosen for the Queensland side since 1980.

Winning the Dally M Centre of the Year award, Tonga played there for the Bulldogs in their 2004 NRL Grand Final victory over cross-city rivals, the Sydney Roosters.

As 2004 NRL premiers, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs faced Super League IX champions, Leeds in the 2005 World Club Challenge.

[10] In June, Willie Tonga played in Game II of the 2009 State of Origin Series to replace Justin Hodges.

Tonga returned towards the end of the 2013 NRL season making four appearances as Parramatta finished last for a second consecutive year.

In the 2014 NRL season, Tonga played 16 games as Parramatta narrowly missed the finals under new head coach Brad Arthur.

[14] Tonga and Maitua told their story on the NRL Footy Show in June 2014 as an attempt to help remove the stigma around mental illness in league.