NRL's Hardest Men Struggle with Tattoo Pain, Artist Claims
In a surprising revelation, a prominent tattoo artist has stated that numerous NRL players, known for enduring one of the world's most physically demanding sports, visibly wince when subjected to his needle. Konrad Ilolahia, the lead artist at Monarch Tattoo Studio in Sydney's south-eastern suburbs, has become a favourite among rugby league stars, yet he reports that some of the sport's toughest figures aren't as resilient as fans might assume.
Front-Row Players Particularly Sensitive to Pain
Ilolahia, who boasts over a decade of design experience, shared with News Corp that it's often the front-row forwards who handle the discomfort least effectively. 'It's funny because it's mostly some of the boys in the front row that don't handle the pain too well,' he explained. With more than 10,000 followers on Instagram, where he regularly posts photos with football celebrities after their studio sessions, Ilolahia has built a significant online presence. However, he prefers not to name specific players, joking, '[I] probably don't want to reveal their names because they are a lot bigger than me, stronger and scarier.'
He suggested that followers could identify the sensitive athletes by browsing his Instagram page, adding, 'They're probably tough on the field, not so tough in the chair.' This insight challenges the stereotypical image of NRL players as impervious to pain, highlighting a humorous contrast between their on-field bravado and off-field vulnerabilities.
Banter and Bonds with Rugby League Stars
Ilolahia, aged 33, has cultivated warm relationships with several high-profile NRL figures, including Fonua Pole of the Wests Tigers, Taniela Paseka from Manly, and Keaon Koloamatagi of South Sydney. His interactions often involve light-hearted teasing, such as remarking to players from lower-ranked teams, 'Any players from the bottom sides last year, I'm like, this is why you guys don't make the top eight – because you can't handle tattoos.' He emphasises that this banter is all in good fun, stating, 'We just get that banter going and everyone's pretty cool. It's not coming from a bad place.'
Beyond his tattooing expertise, Ilolahia is deeply connected to the rugby league community. Of Tongan descent, he previously played football at a local level and was even a teammate of Wests Tigers captain Apisai Koroisau at the Berala Bears. Recalling Koroisau's rise, he noted, 'A Rabbitohs scout recruited him from one of our grand finals and he made his way up from there.' At junior levels, Ilolahia also competed against future NRL stars like Daniel Tupou of the Roosters and former playmaker Aiden Sezer, further cementing his ties to the sport.
Aspirations to Ink Rugby League Legends
Despite having worked with many key names in the football world, Ilolahia harbours ambitions to tattoo true legends of the game, such as Jonathan Thurston or Andrew Johns. His popularity extends beyond the NRL, resonating strongly within the Polynesian community, where he is highly respected for both his artistic talent and cultural heritage. This dual appeal has made him one of Sydney's most sought-after tattoo artists, particularly among athletes who value his understanding of their sport and background.
The artist's revelations offer a unique glimpse into the personal lives of NRL players, showcasing their human side amidst the gruelling demands of professional rugby league. As Ilolahia continues to blend his passion for tattooing with his love of football, his studio remains a hub where sportsmanship and artistry intersect, often with a dose of good-natured humour about pain tolerance.
