Player Frank Watene

[mt.wellington]

Frank Watene​

Frank Watene (born 15 February 1977) is a former professional rugby league footballer who played as a prop or second-row forward in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. He played at representative level for Tonga (1995 Rugby League World Cup squad), New Zealand Junior Kiwis (1996), New Zealand Māori, and at club level for Counties Manukau Heroes, Auckland Warriors (Heritage № 57), Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (Heritage № 1146), Hull Kingston Rovers (Heritage №), Castleford Tigers (Heritage № 827), Dewsbury Rams and Halifax (Heritage № 1242) at club level.

Frank is the older brother of rugby league footballer, Adam Watene.

Watene started his career with the Otahuhu Leopards in the Auckland Rugby League competition, before being signed by the new Auckland Warriors club in 1994. He made his first grade début in 1998. Watene toured with the New Zealand Māori rugby league team in 1998 and played for them in the 1997 Oceania Cup and against Great Britain in 1999.

Watene currently plays for Halifax in the second division of English rugby league called the Championship. Is of Tongan and New Zealand Māori descent 'Frank the Tank' signed for Halifax at the start of the 2007 rugby league season after playing for Dewsbury Rams in 2006 and helping them to win their National League two promotion. Watene was named in the dream team after an impressive year. Watene's usual position is Prop Forward however due to his sheer size Watene usually starts off the matches on the substitutes bench and will come onto the field of play later in the match, when his team need a boost of energy which he provides in the form of strong running. In September 2007 Frank signed a one-year extension to his current Halifax contract, after a highly impressive season.

Frank Watene - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Frank Watene - Playing Career - RLP

A summary of the career stats for Frank Watene, a rugby league player who represented NZ Maori, and also played for the Auckland Warriors, the Wakefield Trinity, the Dewsbury Rams and the Halifax RLFC.

www.rugbyleagueproject.org

 

[mt.wellington]

#57 Frank Watene​

Frank The Tank is a trainer for St Johns Ambulance in Halifax, UK. Thanks to his LinkedIn profile we have his life story...

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-watene-27b99b71/?originalSubdomain=uk

 

[mt.wellington]

Frank Watene

Frank is a retired professional rugby league player. Having moved to England over 20 years ago he has held concurrent roles as a community delivery manager across Yorkshire, winning awards with both Dewsbury RLFC and Halifax RLFC for contributions to communities.

Frank changed careers and held several operational roles for Delta Force Paintball UK and Europe. He is currently a training manager for St John Ambulance.

Trustees

Frank Watene Frank is a retired professional rugby league player. Having moved to England over 20 years ago he has held concurrent roles as a community delivery manager across Yorkshire, winning aw…

calderdalecommunitycoachingtrust.co.uk

 

[mt.wellington]

Frank Watene: From Rugby League Legend to Paintball Pro​

If you’ve ever wondered what paintball and rugby league have in common, we can finally reveal the answer – BIG Frank Watene!

Many rugby league players retire and take up coaching or try their hands at punditry – not big Frank. After a glittering 12 year career in the UK with Super League teams such as Wakefield, Castleford and Halifax, the 38-year-old finally hung up his boots and embarked on a career as a Regional Manager at Delta Force Paintball.

Talk to Frank!​

It’s another string in the bow of the former New Zealand māori international, whose previous jobs have ranged from working in an ice cream factory to becoming a Support Worker and Community Development Officer. And the former prop and second row - affectionately known as ‘Frank the Tank’ – believes rugby and paintball promote many of the same key values:

“You don’t become a successful rugby player on your own. You don’t win championships and trophies by just turning up. You need hard work and you need your teammates. Teamwork is one of the most important components in a successful rugby team, and the same is certainly true on the paintball battlefield” said Watene.

“Once you’ve been handed your paintball gun and you’re wearing that body armour you feel invincible, especially with your teammates alongside you. But just like with rugby you have to be smart. You have to turn up with a tactical plan.

“Moving into the paintball industry is one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I would urge any rugby player, young or old, to give it a go at least once.”

With over 700,000 players visiting our centres each year, Delta Force Paintball is the UK’s number one choice for paintball sports. With Hollywood inspired movie set game zones, state of the art paintball equipment and a five star safety record, Delta Force Paintball is sure to provide you and your group with an unforgettable experience.

Frank Watene: Rugby Legend to Paintball Pro | Delta Force Paintball

If you’ve ever wondered what paintball and rugby league have in common, we can finally reveal the answer – BIG Frank Watene! Many rugby league players

www.paintballgames.co.uk

 

[mt.wellington]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_N-m5glQgE​

 

[mt.wellington]

1997 NZ māori Fred Morunga with the ball has Frank Watene (kneeling) and Mike Luke in support.
On the ground is and Fa'ausu Afoa ( NZ XIII )