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Tonga national rugby league team

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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
Governing bodyTBA
RegionAsia-Pacific
Head coachKristian Woolf
CaptainAddin Fonua-Blake
Most capsDaniel Tupou (16)
Top try-scorerDaniel Tupou (12)
Top point-scorerSiosiua Taukeiaho (58)
Isaiya Katoa (58)
IRL ranking5th
Uniforms
First colours
Team results
First international
 Western Samoa 68–5 Tonga 
(Rarotonga, Cook Islands; 29 October 1986)
Biggest win
 Tonga 92-10  Cook Islands
(Middlesbrough, England; 31 October 2022)
Biggest defeat
 New Zealand 74–0 Tonga 
(Auckland, New Zealand; 23 October 1999)
World Cup
Appearances5 (first time in 1995)
Best resultBronze Semifinals (2017)

The Tonga national rugby league team (Tongan: timi līki ʻakapulu fakafonua ʻa Tonga) represents Tonga in rugby league football. They are currently the fifth ranked team in the world. The team was formed to compete in the 1986 Pacific Cup, and have competed at six Rugby League World Cups, starting in 1995 and continuing consecutively until the most recent tournament. Their best result was at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where they were semi-finalists.

Formerly administered by the Tonga National Rugby League, the team is now in a state of limbo with administration. They wear a predominantly 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 captained by Addin Fonua-Blake.

History

[edit]
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 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. They narrowly lost to the New Zealand team by a single point and earned a draw against Papua New Guinea.

The Tongan team performing the Sipi Tau at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.

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 Cook Islands, Tokelau and American Samoa. Prior to appearing at the 2000 competition the Tongans arranged a friendly fixture against the New Zealand side but lost 74–0.

After the heavy defeat to New Zealand their next international fixture was during their second World Cup where the Tongans were again placed in a group with France, Papua New Guinea again, and South Africa. Tonga faced South Africa in their first match of the tournament where they won 66–18, however they lost to both France and Papua New Guinea meaning the Tongans again failed to make it past the first stage of the tournament.

The Pacific Cup saw the Tongans again qualify for the tournament final with victories over both the Cook Islands and Fiji but the side suffered 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.

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 beat Toa Samoans by 36–4.

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.

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. Samoa beat Mate Ma'a Tonga to win the Polynesian Cup by 18–16.

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.

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 match resulted in a 12-point defeat to Samoa in the 2016 Polynesian Cup.

Jason Taumalolo has chosen to represent Tonga instead of New Zealand since 2017.

Tonga fielded its strongest ever team at the 2017 World Cup after Jason Taumalolo and Andrew Fifita chose to represent their Tongan heritage rather than their respective birthplaces, New Zealand and Australia. At the time, they were considered to be among the best forwards in the world.[2][3] Both players cited a desire to honour family and strengthen the Tongan team as motivating factors for their defections, while Taumalolo's relationship with Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf was also acknowledged.[4][a]

In addition, Manu Maʻu declined a likely position in the New Zealand squad,[6] 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.[7][8] Michael Jennings also committed himself to Tonga after declining an opportunity to represent Fiji.[9]

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[10] and Samoa 32–18.[11] 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,[12][13] and the first time since Wales defeated England 18–16 in 1995 if applied retroactively.[14] Tonga beat Lebanon 24–22 in a hard-fought quarter-final,[15] and then lost 18–20 to England in the semi-final. England were leading 20–0 with 8 minutes remaining until Tonga scored three tries in quick succession, however, a contentious refereeing decision in the last seconds of the game denied them scoring a fourth try and progressing to the World Cup final.[16][17]

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, AthletesVoice[18]

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. Every player was honoured as Knight Commander of the Most Illustrious Order of Queen Sālote Tupou III[19][20] for their contribution to sports.[21][22][23][24] At the conclusion of the tournament, Tonga jumped to 4th in the RLIF world rankings.[25][26]

After the tournament, several players[b] publicly reaffirmed their allegiance to the Tongan team as the media speculated whether they would return to their tier-one nations, assuming they were to be welcomed back.[34] Addin Fonua-Blake also announced his intention to represent Tonga after playing for New Zealand at the World Cup,[35] commenting "I really enjoyed my time with the Kiwis but it just didn't feel like home."[36] 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.[37]

Tonga faced Australia for the first time ever on 20 October 2018, losing 34–16.[38]

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.[39] 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, their best win in their history.[40]

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.[41] Jason Taumalolo rated the win above his 2015 NRL Grand Final victory with the North Queensland Cowboys.[42]

Tonga competed at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, having qualified automatically as semi-finalists of the 2017 tournament. The tournament was delayed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team won all three group games,[43] before falling 18-20 against Samoa in a 'classic' quarter-final that was lauded for its 'athleticism, power and superb ball-handling skills'.[44][45]

Identity

[edit]

Kit supplier

[edit]

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.[46]

Coaching staff

[edit]

Also see Category:Tonga national rugby league team coaches.

No. Name Years G W L D %
1 New Zealand Graham Mattson 1994
2 New Zealand Mike McClennan 1995–1998 3 0 2 1 0
3 Australia Murray Hurst 1998–2000 8 6 2 0 75
4 New ZealandTonga Duane Mann 2006-2007 7 5 2 0 80
5 AustraliaTonga 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
9 Australia Dean Young (caretaker) 2022 0 0 0 0 0

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The Tongan squad for the 2023 Tonga rugby league tour of England. The squad was announced on 4 October 2023.[47]
Jersey numbers in the table are those used in the Third Test against England.
Statistics in this table are compiled from the website, Rugby League Project, and are up to 5 November 2023, including the Third Test.

J# Player Age Position(s) Tonga Club NRL SL Other Reps
Dbt M T G F P CM TM CM TM
1 William Hopoate 31 Fullback 2017 13 3 0 0 12 St Helens R.F.C. — 184 31 31 5 2 2
2 Will Penisini 21 Wing, Centre 2022 7 5 0 0 20 Parramatta Eels 57 57 0 0
3 Konrad Hurrell 32 Centre 2013 11 2 0 0 8 St Helens R.F.C. — 116 48 103 1 2
4 Moses Suli 25 Centre 2017 8 1 0 0 4 St. George Illawarra Dragons 39 118 0 0
5 Toluta'u Koula 21 Wing, Centre 2022 6 2 0 0 8 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 39 39 0 0
6 Tuimoala Lolohea 28 Five-eighth, Fullback 2015 17 5 6 0 32 Huddersfield Giants — 71 54 126 2 1
7 Isaiya Katoa 19 Halfback, Five-eighth 2022 6 2 24 0 56 Dolphins (NRL) 22 22 0 0
8 Hame Sele 26 Prop, Lock 2023 2 0 0 0 0 South Sydney Rabbitohs 49 72 0 0 1
9 Siliva Havili 30 Hooker 2013 16 2 0 0 8 South Sydney Rabbitohs 31 135 0 0 2 1
17 Felise Kaufusi 31 Prop, Lock 2015 10 1 0 0 4 Dolphins (NRL) 16 189 0 0 14 4
11 Tyson Frizell 32 Second-row 2023 3 1 0 0 4 Newcastle Knights 62 239 5 0 16 16 2 5
12 Haumole Olakau'atu 25 Second-row 2022 5 0 0 0 0 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 73 73 0 0
13 Keaon Koloamatangi 25 Lock, Second-row 2022 8 2 0 0 8 South Sydney Rabbitohs 82 82 0 0 1
14 Latu Fainu 18 Five-eighth 2023 1 0 0 0 0 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles — 0 0 0
15 Moeaki Fotuaika 23 Prop 2022 3 0 0 0 0 Gold Coast Titans 121 121 0 0 6
16 Eliesa Katoa 23 Second-row 2023 2 1 0 0 4 Melbourne Storm 21 67 0 0
18 Siua Wong 20 Second-row 2023 1 0 0 0 0 Sydney Roosters 10 10 0 0 4
20 Junior Tupou 21 Wing 2023 1 0 0 0 0 Wests Tigers 26 26 0 0
– Addin Fonua-Blake 27 Prop 2017 11 0 0 0 0 New Zealand Warriors 62 159 0 0 1
– Tevita Tatola 26 Prop 2018 8 1 0 0 4 South Sydney Rabbitohs 134 134 0 0
– Dion Teaupa — Five-eighth 2023 2 0 0 0 0 South Sydney Rabbitohs — 0 0 0
– Starford To'a 23 Centre, Wing 2023 1 1 0 0 4 Wests Tigers 39 59 0 0
– Daniel Tupou 32 Wing 2013 16 12 0 0 48 Sydney Roosters 241 241 1 0 10 2 1 2

Notable former players

[edit]

Since rugby league was introduced to the nation of Tonga in 1986 many players of Tongan birth or heritage have gone on to attain notability by participating in NRL or Super League, or both. Additionally many Tongan heritage players have represented other nations (mainly Australia or New Zealand) in addition to Tonga.

A list of seventeen former notable Tongan heritage players below that have played in NRL & Super League all played internationally for Tonga, with twelve of them also having played for other nations.

Player International Team(s) Represented Rugby League World Cup Appearances
Martin Masella (Captained) Tonga 1995 & 2000
Tevita Vaikona Tonga 1995 & 2000
Lopini Paea (Captained) Tonga 2008
Etu Uaisele Tonga 2008
Feleti Mateo Tonga 2008
John Hopoate Tonga, Australia 1995 (Represented Australia)
Jim Dymock Tonga, Australia 1995 (Represented Australia)
Willie Mason Tonga, Australia 2000
Brent Kite (Captained) Tonga, Australia 2000, 2008 (Represented Australia) & 2013
Antonio Kaufusi Tonga, Australia 2008
Duane Mann (Captained) Tonga, New Zealand 1995 & 2000
George Mann Tonga, New Zealand 1995
Awen Guttenbeil Tonga, New Zealand 1995 & 2008
Fuifui Moimoi Tonga, New Zealand 2013
Epalahame Lauaki Tonga, New Zealand 2008
Tevita Latu Tonga, New Zealand 2008
'Sika Manu (Captained) Tonga, New Zealand 2008 (Represented New Zealand), 2013 & 2017

Records

[edit]
  • Bold- denotes that the player is still active.

Most capped players

[edit]
# Name Career Caps
1 Daniel Tupou 2013-2022 16
2 Ben Murdoch-Masila 2013-2022 15
Tuimoala Lolohea 2015-2022 15
4 Richard Fa'aoso 2006-2015 14
Sika Manu 2013-2018 14
Jason Taumalolo 2013, 2017-2022 14
Sio Siua Taukeiaho 2014-2015, 2017-2022 14
8 Siliva Havili 2013, 2017-2022 13
Feleti Mateo 2006-2016 13

Top try scorers

[edit]
# Name Career Tries
1 Daniel Tupou 2013-2022 12
2 Michael Jennings 2008, 2017–2019 8
3 Etuate Uaisele 2006-2013 7
4 Makasini Richter 2000-2006 6

Top points scorers

[edit]
# Name Career Points Tries Goals Field Goals
1 Isaiya Katoa 2022 58 2 25 0
Sio Siua Taukeiaho 2014-2015, 2017-2022 58 2 25 0
3 Daniel Tupou 2013-2022 48 12 0 0
4 Joel Taufa'ao 2004-2009 38 2 15 0

Competitive record

[edit]
IRL Men's World Rankings
Official rankings as of 30 June 2024
Rank Change Team Pts %
1 Steady  Australia 100
2 Steady  New Zealand 82
3 Steady  England 80
4 Steady  Samoa 67
5 Steady  Tonga 49
6 Increase 1  Fiji 47
7 Decrease 1  Papua New Guinea 49
8 Steady  France 28
9 Steady  Lebanon 22
10 Steady  Cook Islands 20
11 Steady  Serbia 19
12 Steady  Netherlands 17
13 Steady  Italy 15
14 Increase 1  Greece 15
15 Decrease 1  Malta 14
16 Steady  Ireland 14
17 Steady  Wales 13
18 Steady  Jamaica 10
19 Steady  Scotland 9
20 Steady  Ukraine 7
21 Steady  Czech Republic 7
22 Steady  Germany 6
23 Increase 3  Chile 6
24 Steady  Poland 6
25 Increase 3  Norway 6
26 Increase 1  Kenya 5
27 Decrease 4  Philippines 5
28 Decrease 3  South Africa 4
29 Steady  Nigeria 4
30 Steady  Ghana 4
31 Increase 2  United States 4
32 Increase 4  Montenegro 4
33 Decrease 2  Brazil 3
34 Decrease 2  Turkey 3
35 Increase 7  North Macedonia 3
36 Decrease 2  Bulgaria 3
37 Decrease 2  Cameroon 2
38 Decrease 1  Spain 2
39 Decrease 1  Japan 1
40 Decrease 1  Albania 1
41 Increase 5  Canada 1
42 Decrease 2  Colombia 1
43 Decrease 2  El Salvador 1
44 Decrease 1  Morocco 1
45 New entry  Russia 0
46 Decrease 2  Sweden 0
47 Decrease 2  Bosnia and Herzegovina 0
48 Increase 2  Hungary 0
49 Increase 3  Argentina 0
50 New entry  Hong Kong 0
51 Decrease 3  Solomon Islands 0
52 Decrease 5  Niue 0
53 Increase 1  Latvia 0
54 Decrease 1  Denmark 0
55 Decrease 6  Belgium 0
56 Decrease 1  Estonia 0
57 Decrease 6  Vanuatu 0
Complete rankings at INTRL.SPORT
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.

Country Matches Won Drawn Lost % Won Year/s
 American Samoa 2 2 0 0 100% 1988–1998
 Australia* 2 1 0 1 50% 2018–2019
Australian Aboriginies 1 0 0 1 0% 1994
 Cook Islands 12 11 0 1 92% 1988–2022
 England 6 0 0 6 0% 2006–2023
 France 2 1 0 1 50% 2000–2006
 Fiji 12 6 1 5 50% 1992–2017
Fiji Presidents XIII 1 1 0 0 100% 1994
 Great Britain* 1 1 0 0 100% 2019
 Ireland 1 1 0 0 100% 2008
 Italy 2 2 0 0 100% 2013–2017
 Lebanon 1 1 0 0 100% 2017
 Māori 8 3 0 5 38% 1986–2006
 New Zealand 6 1 0 5 17% 1995–2019
New Zealand New Zealand XIII 1 0 0 1 0% 1997
 Niue 3 3 0 0 100% 1990–1994
 Papua New Guinea 9 1 1 7 11% 1995–2022
SamoaSamoa 22 11 1 10 50% 1986–2022
 Scotland 3 2 0 1 67% 2008–2017
 South Africa 1 1 0 0 100% 2000
 Tokelau 4 4 0 0 100% 1986–2006
 United States 1 1 0 0 100% 2012
 Wales 1 1 0 0 100% 2022
Total 102 55 3 44 53.92% 1986–
*Includes matches played as Tonga Invitational.[48]
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
1975
Australia New Zealand 1977
1985–88
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 Quarter-final 5th out of 16 4 3 0 1
France 2026 qualified

Honours

[edit]
1994, 2006

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tonga national rugby league team.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Woolf had previously coached Taumalolo as head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys' Under-20s team in 2010 and 2011, and as assistant coach of Tonga at the 2013 World Cup.[5]
  2. ^ Including Andrew Fifita,[27] Tevita Pangai Junior,[28] Michael Jennings,[29] Tuimoala Lolohea,[30] Solomone Kata,[31] David Fusitu'a,[32] and Jason Taumalolo.[33]

References

[edit]
  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. ^ a b "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. ^ Barclay, Chris (13 October 2013). "Time for Tonga to shine at World Cup in England". stuff. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  6. ^ France, Marvin (17 October 2017). "Manu Ma'u leaves mark on Kiwis jersey despite late switch to Tonga". stuff. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Report: Seven New Zealand players to follow Taumalolo's RLWC Tonga defection". Sporting News. 4 October 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2018.
  8. ^ Campton, Nick (17 June 2022). "Can Tonga turn their golden generation into a new era of stars?". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  9. ^ Walter, Brad (1 September 2017). "Tonga coach confident that Jennings will resist Fiji approach". RLWC2017.com. Archived from the original on 8 September 2017.
  10. ^ "Rugby League World Cup: Tonga thrash Scotland in opener". New Zealand Herald. 30 October 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  11. ^ Burgess, Michael (4 November 2017). "Tonga take down Samoa at Rugby League World Cup". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  12. ^ Dean, John (11 November 2017). "Tonga beat New Zealand in stunning World Cup upset". Fox Sports. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  13. ^ "Tonga edge thriller with New Zealand thanks to David Fusitu'a hat-trick". The Guardian. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  14. ^ "Tonga has a unique opportunity in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup". Daily Telegraph. 26 October 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ "Contentious call ends Tonga's RLWC 2017 charge". Mercury. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  17. ^ "England holds off fast-finishing Tonga to reach Rugby League World Cup final". ABC. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  18. ^ "Tonga's World Cup Revolution". AthletesVoice. 7 October 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  19. ^ Rowe, James (4 December 2017). "Taumalolo and Lolohea receive amazing gift from Tonga for Rugby League World Cup exploits". 9Pickle. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  20. ^ "Facebook post". The Coconet. 30 November 2017. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  21. ^ "Tongan rugby league team to be recognised by King". Radio NZ. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  22. ^ "Tonga Government declares public holiday over rugby league team's deeds". stuff. 28 November 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  23. ^ Latu, Kalino (27 November 2017). "Mate Ma'a Tonga players to receive royal award from King Tupou VI". KanivaTonga. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  24. ^ "'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.
  25. ^ "Latest World Rankings announced". RLIF.com. 8 December 2017. Archived from the original on 11 December 2017. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  26. ^ "Tonga soars, England snubbed in RLIF rankings after World Cup". Fox Sports. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 18 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. ^ "Emotional Kiwis coach can't guarantee return for Taumalolo". Radio NZ. 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  35. ^ Kermeen, Mat (6 June 2018). "Change of heart for Addin Fonua-Blake as Tonga wins tug-of-war". stuff. Retrieved 22 June 2018.
  36. ^ Newton, Alicia (20 June 2018). "Envy drives Fonua-Blake home as Tonga eyes top tier". NRL.com. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  37. ^ Rattue, Chris (20 June 2018). "I hope Tongan league players are not forever lost to the Kiwis". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  38. ^ "Kangaroos withstand spirited Tongan challenge". Radio NZ. 21 October 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  39. ^ "Relive Great Britain's loss to Tonga Invitational XIII". BBC Sport. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  40. ^ McDonald, Margie (2 November 2019). "Incredible Tonga stun Australia with powerhouse performance". NRL.com. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  41. ^ "Tonga shock Australia in huge rugby league upset". The Independent. 2 November 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  42. ^ Orme, Steve (3 November 2019). "Jason Taumalolo ranks Tonga Invitational's victory over Australia above NRL premiership". Sporting News. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
  43. ^ "Men's World Cup Table - Rugby League". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  44. ^ "Samoa edge Tonga to set up England semi-final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  45. ^ "Samoa beat Tonga in classic to set up England semi-final at Rugby League World Cup". the Guardian. 6 November 2022. Retrieved 9 November 2022.
  46. ^ Australia, Dynasty Sport |. "TONGA SET TO FULFIL THEIR DYNASTY". Dynasty Sport | Australia. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  47. ^ Walter, Brad (4 October 2023). "Frizell bolsters Tonga pack after withdrawal of Taumalolo". NRL. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  48. ^ "Head to Head". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 24 December 2020.
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