Tongan Women's Team for Rugby League World Cup [1]
Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 10:24. Updated on Thursday, May 1, 2014 - 14:56.
If you think that Tongan men are good at playing rugby, wait until you see Tonga's first women's rugby league team in action, and some people say they are better than the boys.
The Women's Mate Ma'a Tonga features a number of speedsters who have been playing Soccer, Hockey and Volleyball before they decided to take up Rugby League.
Among the six new recruits to Rugby League was Isabella Hopoi, coming from from soccer and also the Best Woman Athlete for the Inter-College Sports for 2003, where she won a total of 30 medals.
The squad of 20 players, ranging in age from 18 to 26 years of age will leave Tonga for New Zealand on September 15 to participate at the Lion Foundation Women's Rugby League World Cup from September 28 to October 12.
The girls team was picked after the final trial match which was held at Teufaiva Stadium, NukuÃalofa, on August 30. The team has been trained by Patrick Mafile'o, and coached by Dwane Mann.
Lopeti 'Uhatafe from the Tonga National Rugby League office said that Tonga would be in Pool A together with Tokelau, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Samoa. Tonga's first game will be against Tokelau on September 28.
The Tongan Squad: 'Uluaki Kaufusi, Isabella Hopoi, Lupiana Fiefia, 'Elenoa Lauhingoa, 'Olivia Moimoi, Seini Malungahu, Lupe Fisilauy, Sisi'uno Pasikala, 'ana Katoa, Tokilupe Veamatahau, Tiana Valu (Captain), Vea Lotulau, Tupou Tu'ifua, Lomekina Ta'ai, 'Akameta Paongo, Sepi 'Alatini, Kalo Pole, Ma'ata Tonga, 'Ema Havea, and 'Ana 'Iongi.