Jorge Taufua's retirement from professional rugby league was announced for the first time during Sunday night's grand final retirees' parade.
The 34-year-old finished a 15-year career with 194 top-level appearances. He also played three Tests for Tonga and three for Samoa, scoring 103 tries across his professional career.
Taufua represented Manly from 2012 to 2022 before heading to England's Super League. He made 13 appearances for Wakefield Trinity in 2022 and 2023, then played 20 times for Bradford Bulls in 2024 and 2025.
He did not play professionally this year, but continued playing amateur rugby union for Bradford Salem.
His career included the 2013 grand final, when he scored Manly's opening try against the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters won 26-18.
Taufua was an unexpected addition to the parade, which also featured this year's retirees Adam Reynolds, Corey Jensen, Josh Papalii and Tui Kamikamica. Lachlan Croker, Tohu Harris, Elliott Whitehead, Tariq Sims and Jordan Rapana, who retired last year, also appeared.
The NRL appeared to be recognising players who had missed the tribute in their retirement year.
Social media users expressed surprise and appreciation. One wrote: "Didn't know Jorge Taufua was still playing. Wow. Good on him."
Another commented: "Taufua you'll be fondly remembered". A third wrote: "A long list of great players who gave us the entertainment we enjoy every year. Enjoy the rest of your lives."
Taufua was also remembered for powerful tackles, including a hit on Cameron Munster that went viral in the United States in 2019.