At just 23-years old and with 100 NRL games under his belt, Will Penisini enters his sixth pre-season with a renewed perspective on his heritage and influence in the squad.
After wrapping up the 2025 season, Penisini headed to Tonga with the national team in preparation for the Pacific Championships. He found the experience so enriching that he visited again in the new year.
“I hadn't been back to Tonga since I was eight years old, that would’ve been 15-years ago, so to go back, it was a crazy experience. One I will never forget,” he said.
“To see how passionate they are about the Tongan team and having my family over there, words can't describe how crazy that was.
“I ended up going back again in the New Year, so it was two different trips. The first one was for Tonga, but this second one was really an eye-opener to how my family live.
“To live the island life was pretty cool and it was a bit more relaxed this time, so reconnecting with my heritage and my family was something I felt like I needed.
Returning to Tonga proved to not only be a profound experience for Penisini, but an experience which he shared with teammate Isaiah Iongi.
“Isaiah and I are actually from the same village. My dad’s from Nukunuku and so is his Dad, so we say we’re cousins,” he said.
Isaiah and I have always been close, but I think that the Tonga camp obviously made us closer. To see his development and the way he’s been growing his game is something special to see.
Will Penisini
“I’m proud of him and he’s signed a long-term deal here, which is something he deserves. I can’t wait to keep building that relationship and see him grow as a player.”
Penisini joined the Eels development program at 14-years old upon its launch. He worked his way through the pathways system into NRL squad, making his debut in 2021. When reflecting on his time at Parramatta, Penisini admitted his role in the squad has changed over the journey.
“Parramatta has always felt like home, I've been here since I was 14 when they started the development teams and I've always been a fan of Parramatta,” he said.
“I grew up in the area and to play 100 games here is something special that I'll remember forever and not just me but my family too, so Parramatta means a lot to me.
“I think over time I’m taking a little bit more of a leadership role with a lot of younger kids coming through and it wasn't that long ago that I was one of those younger kids.”
“Especially in the backs, anywhere I can help, I try to put my hand up to help.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Penisini is focused on playing consistent football and has set several goals for himself to help bring success to the Club.
“There’s a lot of goals this year, I feel like this is a big year for me and the club. For me personally, I just want to stay consistent and keep building my own game,” Penisini said.
“I want to take each week as it comes starting now in pre-season by building on my game and contributing to the team in every session.”
“I’ve got some personal goals, but I just want the chance to let my footy do the talking… so I can’t wait for this season.”
I feel like we’re growing something here and there’s something special building in my eyes so I can’t wait to rip in and play some footy.
Will Penisini
