Tonga national rugby league team

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Tonga women's national rugby league team.

Tonga
Badge of Tonga team
Team information
NicknameMate Ma'a Tonga (MMT)
Governing bodyTBA
RegionAsia-Pacific
Head coachKristian Woolf
CaptainSio Siua Taukeiaho
Jason Taumalolo
Most capsDuane Mann (16)
IRL ranking4th
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First international
 Western Samoa 16–34 Tonga 
(Rarotonga, Cook Islands; 29 October 1986)
Biggest win
 Tonga 64–0 Tokelau 
(Auckland, New Zealand; 23 February 2006)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 74–0 Tonga 
(Auckland, New Zealand; 23 October 1999)
World Cup
Appearances5 (first time in 1995)
Best resultSemi-finalists: 2017

The Tonga national rugby league team represents Tonga in rugby league football. They are currently the fourth ranked team in the world. The team was formed to compete in the 1986 Pacific Cup, and have competed at five Rugby League World Cups, starting in 1995 and continuing consecutively until the most recent tournament in 2017, where they achieved their best ever result as semi-finalists.

Formerly administered by the Tonga National Rugby League, the team is now in a state of limbo with administration. They wear a predominately red uniform with white sides and are associated with the phrase Mate Ma'a Tonga (English: Die for Tonga). They are coached by Australian Kristian Woolf, and co-captained by Sio Siua Taukeiaho and Jason Taumalolo.

History[]

Main article: History of the Tonga national rugby league team

Rugby league first gained attention in Tonga when the Pacific Cup was partially held in the country during 1986. After this initial exposure to the Tongan people several clubs began to form or switch from rugby union to rugby league and by 1988 the nation had enough depth in their player pool to begin playing national fixtures and entered the 1988 Pacific Cup competition held in Apia, Samoa. During that Pacific Cup the Tongans played in three fixtures winning a sole match while losing the other two, with their first international victory coming against the American Samoa side a match that ended 38–14.

Over the next two years the national side sporadically played international fixtures but it was not until the 1992 Pacific Cup when they again began playing with some regularity. At the 1992 Cup competition the side showed significant improvement on their previous inaugural cup effort with victories over , Cook Islands, Fiji and the New Zealand Maori.[1] This run of victories earned them a place in the final of the 1992 Pacific Cup against the Western Samoan side but they eventually lost a close fought match by four points 18–14. The following tournament two years later saw the Tongan side show further improvement with several comfortable victories again earning them a spot in final of the Pacific Cup this time against the Fijians who had never defeated the Tongans at that time. The final was a tough affair but the Mate Ma'a were again victorious over Fiji 34–11 and claimed their maiden Pacific Cup title.

During 1995 Tonga qualified for their first World Cup and were seeded in the strong group B with both New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. While Tonga failed to win a match at the World Cup they earned respect after they narrowly lost to the New Zealand team by a single point and earnt a draw against Papua New Guinea.

Tonga performing the Sipi Tau

The next four years saw the Tongan side appear in a further Pacific Cup in 1997 and then qualify for the 2000 World Cup with comfortable victories over the , Tokelau and American Samoa. Prior to appearing at the 2000 competition the Tongans arranged a friendly fixture against the New Zealand side that they had come so close to defeating during the previous World Cup but this time faced their heaviest defeat to date going down 74–0 and suffering a large dent in confidence prior to the competition.

IRL World Rankings
Official Men's Rankings as of November 2019
Rank Change* Team Pts%
1 Increase 2  New Zealand
2 Decrease 1  Australia
3 Decrease 1  England
4 Steady  Tonga
5 Steady  Fiji
6 Increase 4  Papua New Guinea
7 Steady  Samoa
8 Decrease 2  France
9 Decrease 1  Scotland
10 Decrease 1  Lebanon
11 Increase 5  Greece
12 Steady  Ireland
13 Increase 1  Italy
14 Decrease 3  Wales
15 Increase 4  Serbia
16 Increase 1  Malta
17 Increase 1  Norway
18 Decrease 3  United States
19 Increase 4  Poland
20 Decrease 7  Jamaica
21 Decrease 1  Hungary
22 Increase 3  Czech Republic
23 Increase 5  Cook Islands
24 Increase 7  Turkey
25 Decrease 1  Netherlands
26 Increase 4  Spain
27 Decrease 6  Canada
28 New entry  Nigeria
29 Decrease 2  Solomon Islands
30 Increase 10  Sweden
31 Increase 4  Germany
32 Increase 1  Chile
33 New entry  Ghana
34 Increase 16  Morocco
35 Decrease 3  Vanuatu
36 Steady  South Africa
37 Decrease 8  Russia
38 New entry  Cameroon
39 Decrease 2  Ukraine
40 Increase 1  Colombia
41 Increase 4  Brazil
42 Steady  Belgium
43 Increase 4  Denmark
44 Increase 4  Bulgaria
45 Increase 4  Latvia
*Change from July 2019

After the heavy defeat to New Zealand their next international fixture was during their second World Cup where the Tongans were again placed in another tough group with France, Papua New Guinea again, and South Africa. Tonga faced South Africa in their first match of the tournament where they were comfortable victors in a 66–18 drubbing, however the rest of the tournament was not so kind to the Tongan side with losses to both France and Papua New Guinea meaning the Tongans again failed to make it past the first stage of the tournament.

With a disappointing World Cup behind them the Mate Ma'a regrouped and again enter the Pacific Cup four years later in 2004. The tournament saw the Tongans again qualify for the tournament final with victories over both the Cook Islands and Fiji but the side suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of neighbouring Samoa 51–18. 2006 saw the Tongan side re-enter the Pacific Cup where again they performed strongly qualifying for their second consecutive final where this time they reversed their previous effort with a strong victory over Fiji 22–4 giving them their second Pacific Cup title. 2006 continued to be a busy year of international fixtures for the Tongans which saw them gain qualification into the 2008 World Cup after they finished top of their Pacific group ahead of the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa and then defeat the Samoans 18–10 in the qualifying final. They also entered the inaugural Federation Shield competition along with England, France and Samoa and eventually finish second. England to face Tonga in League final to the English in the final 32–14 after they had defeated both France and Samoa.

2013 Pacific Rugby League Test[]

Main article: Pacific Rugby League International § 2013 test

In April 2013, Tonga took on Samoa in the '2013 Pacific Rugby League Test' at Penrith Stadium. The International was created as a World Cup warm-up match. Tonga targeted Samoa's weak defence, and it paid off, thrashing the Toa Samoans by 36–4.

2013 Rugby League World Cup campaign[]

Main article: 2013 Rugby League World Cup

Tonga automatically qualified for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup after participating in the 2008 tournament. They took on Scotland, Italy and the Cook Islands in the pool stage. In their first match they took on 'the Scots'. It was a tight and intense rugby league battle, but Scotland won 26–24. Tonga then went on and beat 'the Kukis', 22–16, and Italy, 16–0, but it wasn't enough. Scotland finished the group stage unbeaten, sealing their place in the quarter-final and ending Tonga's World Cup campaign in the process.

2015 Pacific Rugby League Test[]

Main article: Pacific Rugby League International § Polynesian Cup

In May 2015, Tonga took on Samoa in the 2015 Polynesian Cup at Cbus Super Stadium. The International was part of a triple header which also included the Melanesian Cup, between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis. The game was an absolute thriller with the lead alternating between the teams and the biggest margin throughout the match was only 6 points. However, there was always going to be one winner in the see-saw affair and it was Samoa who upended Mate Ma'a Tonga to win the Polynesian Cup by 18–16.

2017 Rugby League World Cup qualifying[]

Main article: 2017 Rugby League World Cup qualification (Asia-Pacific play-off)

In October 2015, Tonga took on the Cook Islands in the Asia-Pacific elimination play-off to determine which of the two Asia-Pacific nations qualified for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. After a tight first half, Mate Ma'a Tonga went on win the match scoring 16 points within the last 20 minutes of the game.

2016 Pacific Rugby League Test[]

Main article: Pacific Rugby League International § Polynesian Cup 2

In May 2016, Tonga took on Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup at Pirtek Stadium. The International was part of a triple header which also included the Melanesian Cup, between Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and the Junior Kangaroos against the Junior Kiwis. The traditional pacific rivalry between these two continued as they produced highlights from big hits, to powerful meters, and try-saving tackles when needed. However this year's test-match saw way more errors than last year's and Tonga made most of them and failed to capitalize on their 55% of possession, which therefore resulted in a 12-point defeat in the 2016 Polynesian Cup.

Tongan revolution (2017–18)[]

Jason Taumalolo

Tonga fielded their strongest ever team at the 2017 World Cup on the back of Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita choosing to represent their Tongan heritage rather than their respective birthplaces, New Zealand and Australia. Taumalolo, the joint 2016 Dally M Medallist, was described by Fox Sports to be the "undisputed best forward in the NRL" and was expected to be named in the New Zealand squad,[2] while Fifita withdrew from the already-named Australian squad.[3] Taumalolo referenced his close relationship with Tongan coach Kristian Woolf and his desire to strengthen the Tongan squad as motivators,[4] while Fifita cited a desire to give back to his father's family.[3]

In addition, Manu Maʻu declined a likely position in the New Zealand squad,[5] while David Fusitu'a, Solomone Kata, Tuimoala Lolohea, and Sio Siua Taukeiaho dismissed any possibility of a New Zealand re-call in order to represent Tonga.[6] With a mixed heritage, Michael Jennings also committed himself to Tonga after knocking back an approach to represent Fiji.[7]

Tonga quickly became the most heavily backed team in the World Cup, dropping from $81 odds to $17.[3] Entering into the tournament as the 11th ranked team in the world, Tonga comfortably won their opening two group matches, outclassing Scotland 50–4[8] and Samoa 32–18.[9] In their third and final group match, Tonga upset New Zealand 28–22 after trailing 16–2 at half-time. This marked the first time since the introduction of the tiered-nation system that a tier-two team defeated a tier-one team,[10][11] and the first time since Wales defeated England 18–16 in 1995 if applied retroactively.[12] Tonga beat Lebanon 24–22 in a hard-fought quarter-final,[13] but lost 18–20 to England in the semi-final. England were leading 20–0 with 8 minutes remaining before Tonga scored three tries in quick succession, however, a contentious refereeing decision on the last play of the game denied them from progressing to the World Cup final.[14][15]

After Tonga's semi-final against England, which was attended by King Tupou VI, 29 November 2018 was declared a public holiday in Tonga as Mate Ma'a Tonga Day and the entire Tongan squad was invited to the Royal Palace. Each player was honoured as Knight Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III[16][17] for their contribution to sports,[18][19][20][21] while Taumalolo and Lolohea were gifted land in their families' respective villages.[22][16] At the conclusion of the tournament, Tonga jumped to 4th in the RLIF world rankings.[23][24]

Playing for the Kangaroos is the pinnacle in rugby league. If you make that team, you’re up there with the best in the world in your position... But it’s a very different feeling playing for Tonga. There’s more emotion in the Tongan jersey. You know what your family has been through and you think about them every time you put it on.

— Michael Jennings, [25]

Media speculation questioned whether Tonga's star players would return to their tier-one nations after the World Cup, assuming they were to be welcomed back.[26] In the months following, Fifita, an incumbent of the New South Wales squad,[27] Tevita Pangai Junior[28] and Jennings[29] announced they would make themselves unavailable for NSW selection to continue with Tonga, while New Zealand-eligible players Lolohea,[30] Kata,[31] Fusitu'a,[32] and Taumalolo[33] also publicly confirmed their allegiance to Tonga ahead of their match against Samoa on 23 June 2018. Additionally, Addin Fonua-Blake announced his intention to represent Tonga after playing for New Zealand at the World Cup,[34] commenting "I really enjoyed my time with the Kiwis but it just didn't feel like home."[35] As a consequence, New Zealand's squad for their match against England on 24 June 2018 contained just one Tongan-eligible player, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, who reportedly pledged his loyalty to the Kiwis to honour his great-grandfather Puti Tipene Watene, the first Māori to captain the side.[36]

Continued success (2018– )[]

In a much anticipated fixture, Tonga faced Australia for the first time ever on 20 October 2018, losing 34–16.[37]

On 22 June 2019, Tonga faced New Zealand again at Mount Smart Stadium as part of the 2019 Oceania Cup. The Kiwis won 34–14 in a dominant display. After the NRL season ended, Tonga played against the touring Great Britain on 26 October, winning 14–6 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. This was Great Britain's first match after a twelve-year hiatus.[38] The following week at Auckland's Eden Park, Tonga faced the Australia in an Oceania Cup match. Tonga stunned the world number one nation, winning 16–12.[39] This match was labelled one of the greatest upsets in rugby league history, marking the first time Australia had lost to a tier 2 nation since 1978.[40] Jason Taumalolo rated the win above his NRL grand final victory with the North Queensland Cowboys in 2015.[41]

Tonga will compete at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, having qualified automatically as semi-finalists of the 2017 tournament.

Players[]

Current squad[]

The Tonga national team squad for the 2019 Oceania Cup and 2019 Great Britain Lions tour.[42]

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Pts Club
Fullback William Hopoate (Captain) (1992-05-09) 9 May 1992 (age 29) 9 12 Canterbury colours.svg Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Wing David Fusitu'a (1994-10-16) 16 October 1994 (age 26) 7 20 New Zealand colours.svg New Zealand Warriors
Wing Daniel Tupou (1991-06-17) 17 June 1991 (age 30) 12 24 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters
Centre Konrad Hurrell (1991-08-05) 5 August 1991 (age 30) 9 8 Rhinoscolours.svg Leeds Rhinos
Centre Michael Jennings (1988-04-20) 20 April 1988 (age 33) 11 36 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels
Centre Kotoni Staggs (1998-10-29) 29 October 1998 (age 22) 1 0 Brisbane colours.svg Brisbane Broncos
Five-eighth John Asiata (1993-04-19) 19 April 1993 (age 28) 1 0 North Queensland colours.svg North Queensland Cowboys
Five-eighth Tuimoala Lolohea (1995-01-23) 23 January 1995 (age 26) 10 18 Redscolours.svg Salford Red Devils
Halfback Mafoa'aeata Hingano (1997-03-11) 11 March 1997 (age 24) 8 26 Canberra colours.svg Canberra Raiders
Prop Andrew Fifita (1989-06-28) 28 June 1989 (age 32) 8 0 Cronulla colours.svg Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Prop Addin Fonua-Blake (1995-11-06) 6 November 1995 (age 25) 4 0 Manly Sea Eagles colours.svg Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Prop Ben Murdoch-Masila (1991-02-07) 7 February 1991 (age 30) 11 4 Wolvescolours.svg Warrington Wolves
Prop Joe Ofahengaue (1995-09-15) 15 September 1995 (age 26) 6 0 Brisbane colours.svg Brisbane Broncos
Prop Tevita Tatola (1996-11-10) 10 November 1996 (age 24) 2 4 South Sydney colours.svg South Sydney Rabbitohs
Prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho (Captain) (1992-01-03) 3 January 1992 (age 29) 9 50 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters
Hooker Siliva Havili (1993-02-18) 18 February 1993 (age 28) 11 8 Canberra colours.svg Canberra Raiders
Hooker Sione Katoa (1995-01-26) 26 January 1995 (age 26) 9 0 Penrith Panthers square flag icon with 2017 colours.svg Penrith Panthers
Second-row Manu Ma'u (1988-08-24) 24 August 1988 (age 33) 10 4 Parramatta colours.svg Parramatta Eels
Second-row Sitili Tupouniua (1997-05-30) 30 May 1997 (age 24) 2 0 Eastern Suburbs colours.svg Sydney Roosters
Lock Tevita Pangai Junior (1996-02-04) 4 February 1996 (age 25) 5 8 Brisbane colours.svg Brisbane Broncos
Lock Jason Taumalolo (Captain) (1993-05-31) 31 May 1993 (age 28) 11 8 North Queensland colours.svg North Queensland Cowboys

Notable former players[]

Since rugby league has been introduced to the nation of Tonga in 1986 many players of Tongan birth or heritage have gone on to attain notability by participating in domestic rugby-league club competitions globally but mostly in NRL and Super League both top-level domestic rugby-league club competitions and known internationally. Also they attain notability in representing Tonga, other nations (Mainly Australia or New Zealand) or including other nations. A list of seventeen former notable players below that have appeared in top-level domestic rugby-league club competitions (NRL & Super League) and played internationally for Tonga and including other nations between 1986 & 2018:

Player International Team(s) Represented Rugby League World Cup Appearances
Martin Masella (Captained) Tonga (1995–2000) 1995 & 2000
Tevita Vaikona Tonga (1995–2000) 1995 & 2000
Lopini Paea (Captained) Tonga (2005–2010) 2008
Etu Uaisele Tonga (2006–2013) 2008
Feleti Mateo Tonga (2006–2016) 2008
John Hopoate Tonga (1994), Australia (1995) 1995 (Represented Australia)
Jim Dymock Tonga (1994–1995), Australia (1995–1996) 1995 (Represented Australia)
Willie Mason Tonga (2000), Australia (2002–2008) 2000
Brent Kite (Captained) Tonga (2000–2013), Australia (2006–2009) 2000,2008 (Represented Australia) & 2013
Antonio Kaufusi Tonga (2008), Australia (2006) 2008
Duane Mann (Captained) Tonga (1986–2000), New Zealand (1989–1994) 1995 & 2000
George Mann Tonga (1986–1995),New Zealand (1989–1991) 1995
Awen Guttenbeil Tonga (1995–2008), New Zealand (2002–2005) 1995 & 2008
Fuifui Moimoi Tonga (2006–2013), New Zealand (2007–2011) 2013
Epalahame Lauaki Tonga (2008–2010), New Zealand (2007) 2008
Tevita Latu Tonga (2008–2010), New Zealand (2004) 2008
Sika Manu (Captained) Tonga (2013–2018), New Zealand (2008–2011) 2008 (Represented New Zealand),2013 & 2017

2021 Player Pool[]

NRL[]

Super League[]

International results[]

Main article: Tonga national rugby league team match results

The following table underneath shows Tonga's all-time rugby league results record. Matches include those played as the Tonga Invitational XIII side. They have been participating in International fixtures since 1986.

Tonga have played 86 internationals with the most recent being played on 2 November 2019 against Australia.[43]

Country Matches Won Drawn Lost Win % For Aga Diff
 American Samoa 1 1 0 0 100% 22 18 +4
 Australia† 2 1 0 1 50% 32 46 –14
Australian Aboriginal Flag.svg Australian Aboriginies 1 0 0 1 0% 16 34 –18
 Cook Islands 10 9 0 1 90% 314 135 +179
 England 3 0 0 3 0% 50 92 –42
 France 2 1 0 1 100% 56 38 +18
 Fiji 13 7 1 5 53.85% 296 221 +75
Fiji Presidents XIII 1 1 0 0 100% 32 10 +22
 Great Britain† 1 1 0 0 100% 14 6 +8
 Ireland 1 1 0 0 100% 22 20 +2
 Italy 1 1 0 0 100% 16 0 +16
 Lebanon 1 1 0 0 100% 24 22 +2
 Māori 7 3 0 4 75% 146 152 –6
 New Zealand 6 1 0 5 16.67% 98 251 –153
New Zealand New Zealand XIII 1 0 0 1 0% 10 32 –22
 Niue 2 2 0 0 100% 82 20 +62
 Papua New Guinea 7 0 1 6 0% 141 288 –147
SamoaSamoa 19 10 1 8 52.63% 392 375 +17
 Scotland 3 2 0 1 66.67% 122 30 +92
 South Africa 1 1 0 0 100% 66 18 +48
 Tokelau 2 2 0 0 100% 90 22 +68
 United States 1 1 0 0 100% 28 20 +8
Total 86 46 3 37 53.49% 2069 1850 +219

†Includes matches played as Tonga Invitational.[44]

World Cup Record
Year Round Position Pld Win Draw Loss
France 1954 Did not enter
Australia 1957
England 1960
Australia New Zealand 1968
England 1970
France 1972
United Nations 1975
Australia New Zealand 1977
United Nations 1985–88
United Nations 1989–92
England 1995 Group Stage 7th out of 10 2 0 1 1
United Kingdom Ireland France 2000 Group Stage 9th out of 16 3 1 0 2
Australia 2008 Group Stage 7th out of 10 3 2 0 1
England Wales 2013 Group Stage 9th out of 14 3 2 0 1
Australia New Zealand Papua New Guinea 2017 Semi-final 3rd out of 14 5 4 0 1
England 2021 Qualified
United States Canada 2025

Coaching History[]

Also see Category:Tonga national rugby league team coaches.

No. Name Years G W L D %
1 New Zealand Graham Mattson 1994
2 Australia Mike McClennan 1995–1998 3 0 2 1 0
3 Australia Murray Hurst 1998–2000 8 6 2 0 75
4 New Zealand Duane Mann 2006
5 Australia Jim Dymock 2006–2008 8 4 4 0 50
6 Australia Rohan Smith 2009 3 0 0 0 0
7 Tonga Charlie Tonga 2010–2013 5 3 2 0 60
8 Australia Kristian Woolf 2014–present 15 9 6 0 60

Honours[]

1994, 2006

Kit supplier[]

Tonga's kit suppliers are ISC since 2018. Classic (1995 RLWC), Mitre (2000 RLWC), Kombat (2004–2005), KooGa (2006–2012) and FI-TA (2013–2018) were previous suppliers. As of 2019, the current kit supplier is Dynasty Sport.[45]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ 1992 Pacific Cup (New Zealand) Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine International Competitions Website Retrieved on 18 May 2007.
  2. ^ "Jason Taumalolo turns his back on New Zealand to represent Tonga in Rugby League World Cup". Fox Sports. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Andrew Fifita snubs Kangaroos for to play for Tonga in World Cup". Daily Telegraph. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  4. ^ "Jason Taumalolo on why he chose Tonga over New Zealand for the 2017 RLWC". Courier Mail. 6 October 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  5. ^ France, Marvin (17 October 2017). "Manu Ma'u leaves mark on Kiwis jersey despite late switch to Tonga". stuff. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Report: Seven New Zealand players to follow Taumalolo's RLWC Tonga defection". Sporting News. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  7. ^ Walter, Brad (1 September 2017). "Tonga coach confident that Jennings will resist Fiji approach". RLWC2017.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Rugby League World Cup: Tonga thrash Scotland in opener". New Zealand Herald. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  9. ^ Burgess, Michael (4 November 2017). "Tonga take down Samoa at Rugby League World Cup". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  10. ^ Dean, John (11 November 2017). "Tonga beat New Zealand in stunning World Cup upset". Fox Sports. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  11. ^ "Tonga edge thriller with New Zealand thanks to David Fusitu'a hat-trick". The Guardian. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  12. ^ "Tonga has a unique opportunity in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup". Daily Telegraph. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  13. ^ "Tonga move on to World Cup semi-finals after thrilling 24–22 win over gallant Lebanon". Daily Telegraph. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Contentious call ends Tonga's RLWC 2017 charge". Mercury. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  15. ^ "England holds off fast-finishing Tonga to reach Rugby League World Cup final". ABC. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b Rowe, James (4 December 2017). "Taumalolo and Lolohea receive amazing gift from Tonga for Rugby League World Cup exploits". 9Pickle. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Facebook post". The Coconet. 30 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  18. ^ "Tongan rugby league team to be recognised by King". Radio NZ. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  19. ^ "Tonga Government declares public holiday over rugby league team's deeds". stuff. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  20. ^ Latu, Kalino (27 November 2017). "Mate Ma'a Tonga players to receive royal award from King Tupou VI". KanivaTonga. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  21. ^ "'In a big way I'm proud' – RLWC hero Jason Taumalolo and team decked out in traditional dress for ceremony with Tongan king". tvnz. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  22. ^ "Jason Taumalolo gifted land in Tongan village for Rugby League World Cup deeds". stuff. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  23. ^ "Latest World Rankings announced". RLIF.com. 8 December 2017. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  24. ^ "Tonga soars, England snubbed in RLIF rankings after World Cup". Fox Sports. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  25. ^ "Tonga's World Cup Revolution". PlayersVoice. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  26. ^ "Emotional Kiwis coach can't guarantee return for Taumalolo". Radio NZ. 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  27. ^ "Andrew Fifita chooses Tonga over NSW Blues, Australian Kangaroos after secret meeting". Daily Telegraph. 31 March 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  28. ^ "Broncos forward Tevita Pangai Junior chooses Tonga over New South Wales and State of Origin". Courier Mail. 27 March 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  29. ^ Newton, Alicia (2 May 2018). "Jennings commits to Tonga over Blues". NRL.com. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  30. ^ Newton, Alicia (26 January 2018). "Lolohea set to stick with Tonga over Kiwis". NRL.com. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  31. ^ Thomas, Jackson (16 May 2018). "Kata commits to Tonga while Fusitu'a remains undecided". NRL.com. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  32. ^ "David Fusitu'a sticks with Tonga over Kiwis". stuff. 5 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  33. ^ "Taumalolo recommits to Tonga". cowboys.com.au. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  34. ^ Kermeen, Mat (6 June 2018). "Change of heart for Addin Fonua-Blake as Tonga wins tug-of-war". stuff. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  35. ^ Newton, Alicia (20 June 2018). "Envy drives Fonua-Blake home as Tonga eyes top tier". NRL.com. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  36. ^ Rattue, Chris (20 June 2018). "I hope Tongan league players are not forever lost to the Kiwis". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  37. ^ "Kangaroos withstand spirited Tongan challenge". Radio NZ. 21 October 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  38. ^ "Relive Great Britain's loss to Tonga Invitational XIII". BBC Sport. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  39. ^ McDonald, Margie (2 November 2019). "Incredible Tonga stun Australia with powerhouse performance". NRL.com. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  40. ^ "Tonga shock Australia in huge rugby league upset". The Independent. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  41. ^ Orme, Steve (3 November 2019). "Jason Taumalolo ranks Tonga Invitational's victory over Australia above NRL premiership". Sporting News. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  42. ^ Walter, Brad (10 October 2019). "Woolf to coach full strength Tonga in end-of-season Tests". NRL.com.
  43. ^ "Head to Head". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  44. ^ "Head to Head". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
  45. ^ Australia, Dynasty Sport |. "TONGA SET TO FULFIL THEIR DYNASTY". Dynasty Sport | Australia. Retrieved 15 July 2021.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""