Connelly Lemuelu


Connelly Lemuelu is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League.

Background

Born and raised in Auckland, Lemuelu played rugby union for Papatoetoe before moving to Australia as a 15-year old to attend Keebra Park State High School. While at Keebra Park, he signed with the Wests Tigers.

Playing career

Early career

In 2016, Lemuelu was a member of Keebra Park's rugby league team. In the Queensland state championship game, he kicked the winning field goal in a 27–26 win over Coombabah State High School. On 14 September 2016, he started at fullback in Keebra Park's 24–26 loss to Westfields Sports High School in the GIO Schoolboy Cup final, scoring two tries.
In 2017, Lemuelu moved to Sydney, joining the Wests Tigers under-20 side. In 2019, after two seasons with the Tigers, Lemuelu joined the Canterbury Bulldogs, playing for their New South Wales Cup side. On 3 July 2019, he was elevated to the Bulldogs' NRL squad, signing a development contract.
On 29 October 2019, he signed a two-year deal with the North Queensland Cowboys.

2020

In February, Lemuelu was a member of the Cowboys' 2020 NRL Nines winning squad. On 22 February, he started on the wing in the Cowboys 18–16 pre-season trial win over the Brisbane Broncos, scoring a try. He started the 2020 season playing for the Cowboys' Queensland Cup feeder club, the Northern Pride.
In Round 6 of the 2020 NRL season, Lemuelu made his NRL debut against the Wests Tigers.

Achievements and accolades

Team