The Tongan rugby league team’s Pacific Championships preparation turned into a celebration of heritage and pride.

Players spent five days reconnecting with family, culture and community ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Samoa.

From eating lobster and wild boar at a royal banquet to visiting schools, hospitals and villages linked to their families, the week-long trip to Tonga gave players a renewed sense of purpose before returning to Australia for the clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Head coach Kristian Woolf described the visit as “the perfect way to kickstart our 2025 campaign”, with more than 1,000 fans greeting the squad upon arrival in Nuku’alofa and thousands more lining the streets with banners and coconuts to welcome their heroes.

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Tongan pride on full display

Players including Addin Fonua-Blake, Felise Kaufusi, Stefano Utoikamanu and Isaiya Katoa were mobbed by fans, but no one drew more attention than captain Jason Taumalolo, whose decision to represent Tonga in 2017 reshaped international rugby league.

“Everywhere Jase went, he was mobbed,” said John Hopoate, who travelled with the team.

“He’s close to being the king of Tonga the way he is received when he walks around. I consider myself to be a future immortal over there, but Jase is the ‘king’.”

Woolf said the highlight was watching players reconnect with their roots. “Addin Fonua-Blake went to the school he attended, so did Eli Katoa,” he said.

“It was really touching for all the players to have that moment and connection with people or a certain place. It meant a lot.”

Fit for a King

The team was invited to lunch at the Royal Palace with King Aho’eitu ʻUnuakiʻotonga Tukuʻaho, dining on fresh seafood and traditional desserts in a ceremony that Woolf described as unforgettable.

“There were a lot of protocols we needed to follow when meeting the King,” Woolf said.

“He was very engaging and made it clear he appreciated what the players were doing for the country.”

After training sessions, parades and grand final appearances, Tonga’s trip wrapped up with the local A-grade decider, where the Viane Doves lifted the trophy in front of adoring fans.

“What I like about our group is, judging by their body shapes, they’ve all looked after themselves,” Woolf said.

“At least the boys know exactly who they are playing for, and what it means to Tonga.”