'Family ties': Frizell's connection to one of the world's most recognisable sporting teams

nib Newcastle Knights forward Tyson Frizell has played at all levels of the game representing his state and country.

The dynamic back-rower has played 14 games each for NSW and Australia across 12 seasons in first grade and recently notched 200 games in the NRL.

The 30-year-old also has a family member, who has achieved similar achievements in another code.

Shannon Frizell, who plays for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, is 'Friz's' younger brother.

The union player made his debut for the New Zealand based side in 2018 and has gone onto pull on the famous jersey of the All Blacks, one of the most recognisable and successful sporting teams in the world.

Born and raised in a small village in Tonga, Shannon has played 17 Tests for New Zealand and featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

On the latest episode of the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast, Tyson spoke about his connection and the achievements of his brother.

“He got to the age of 18 and ended up moving to New Zealand and finding his own path,” Frizell said on the KNIGHTS // HQ Podcast.

“He played local, then ended up getting a contract with the Highlanders and then playing for the All Blacks.

“He’s just coming back from injury at the moment."

Tyson and Shannon's mother, Sophia, is from the Tongan village of Folaha.

Described as 'smaller than Adamstown' by Frizell and with a population of just over 800, the village has produced some incredible athletes.

Shannon went to school with former Warriors centre Solomone Kata and former Titans centre Konrad Hurrell while their mother is from the same village as the mothers of former Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters centre Michael Jennings and former Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos player, Israel Folau.

Tyson and his family would go over and visit his brother with the pair playing rugby tournaments over in the Pacific nation.

“At the time Shannon wasn’t able to come over and live with us in Australia so our holidays were going over to Tonga and staying in our village," Frizell said.

“Every year or so, Mum would sponsor the village, and little towns in the village, not very big at all and we would play in little tournaments.

“It’s such a small country but you look at the Tongan rugby league side and they’ve got such great players and the Pacific nations as well.

The Knights forward has also represented his father's heritage, Wales, playing six games for the Welsh including at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Listen to the full episode HERE as Frizell spoke about his journey to the Knights, his favourite Origin moments and answers the fans questions.