Americans, Meet Fuifui

The Melbourne Storm may have beaten the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League Grand Final, but the Eels put on a show as well--particularly on U.S. television. The Eels played in three of the four finals matches shown on Spike TV's weekly American broadcasts, making them the most-seen side in American during the series (the Storm appeared in two matches and the Gold Coast Titans, Canterbury Bulldogs, and Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles were each seen in one match).

Among the most memorable Eels players for the American audience week in and week out must have been Tongan-born Fuifui Moimoi (who is also eligible to play for New Zealand internationally). He got audiences' attention with hits so big that they can only be appreciated fully with the aid of science (sometimes a little too big), though his memorable name may have garnered as much notice from new viewers as his tremendous play.

If you found yourself becoming a new fan of Moimoi's, but were as captivated by the cult figure's interesting moniker as you were by his tremendous efforts, you're not alone. Moimoi is the subject of a song focused on his name and acheivements, as seen below:



We assume he doesn't mind the song because it will be playing when he enters the boxing ring for a charity match (the bout has been delayed by the Eels' success). If you're not a fan, though, you can see examples of Fuifui's imposing play without the soundtrack:









Now and then, of course, Moimoi is on the receiving end as well:



Here's hoping Spike TV and other U.S. networks see fit to show us more of Moimoi and the NRL's other luminaries in the future!