Local rugby league players for Cabramatta Nines [1]
Thursday, February 1, 2018 - 17:38. Updated on Thursday, February 1, 2018 - 17:58.
Six local rugby league players have been selected to join Tongan teams that will be competing at the 2018 Cabramatta International Nines on Febuary 3 in Sydney.
The four men and two women players which departed Tonga on February 1 included Taniela Fanua from Fasi/Ma’ufanga Vikings, Taniela Mapa Hufanga of the Lapaha Knights, Sione Vea from Toloa Old Boys and Sosefo Save from Ha’akame Broncos.
The women are Taina Halasima from Hihifo Rovers and Manusiu Kei of the Kolomotu’a Eagles.
Fehoko Tu’ivai, one of officials, said after this tournament a Mate Ma’a Tonga 9s team for the 2018 Rugby League Commonwealth Championships to be held later this month in Queensland, will be selected from this pool of players.
The locals will join other Tongan players currently playing abroad to form four Tongan teams consisting of two teams each for men and women, over the two-day tournament.
Cabramatta International is a rugby league nine a side tournament held annually since 2003.
It consists of 32 teams representing clubs and countries from Europe, Asia, South America and Pacific Islands with national representative teams from Greece, Malta, Ireland, Niue, Cook Islands, Philippines, among others.