Mate Ma'a Tonga team receives medal of honour [1]
Thursday, November 30, 2017 - 16:43. Updated on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 - 11:21.
Photos by Pesi Fonua
HM King Tupou VI was travelling to Europe and unable to attend the presentation yesterday.
HM Queen Nanasipau’u and the Princess Royal HRH Princess Pilolevu presented the awards in the east wing reception room of the Royal Palace.
Queen Nanasipau’u, had with the King attended the semi-final game between the MMT and England in Auckland, and commented on the joy and pride that the players had brought to their families and the whole of Tonga with their performances during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup tournament.
Twenty of the 24 member team travelled to Tonga for the Medal Investiture Ceremony after receiving invitations from the King. They were Jason Taumalolo, ‘Ukuma Ta’ai, William Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Manu Mafi Vatuvei, Tu’imoala Lolohea, Mafoa’aeata Hingano, Sonatane Manu Ma’u, Konrad Hurrell, Siosiua Taukei’aho, Siliva Havili, Mahe Fonua, David Fusitu’a, Samuela Moa, Joseph ‘Ofahengau, Benjieman Murdoch-Masila, Vilimai Sika Manu, Samisoni Langi, Peni Terepo and Sione Katoa.
Four players who could not make it to Tonga and sent representatives to receive the medals on their behalf, were Andrew Fifita, Tevita Pangai Jr, Solomone Kata and Michael Jennings.
Following the presentation of the medals there was a reception in the seafront Palace grounds, and guests were entertained by the Mate Ma’a Tonga by performing their Sipi Tau.