Tonga has signed a new AU$250m Pacific Rugby League Partnership over 10 years alongside Samoa, Fiji, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Australia this week, a landmark initiative that aims to grow participation, strengthen pathways, support elite rugby league, and deliver positive social impact through rugby league.
The signing took place in Brisbane on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. Through this partnership, Tonga joins Australia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji, and Samoa in creating new opportunities for emerging Pacific players to develop and succeed.
PM Lord Fakafanua said, "There's a saying in Tonga, 'When the chief has spoken, there's nothing else to say'."
"We're definitely with you, my brother from Papua New Guinea (PM James Marape), and the Chiefs will be a platform and a pathway for players from Samoa, players from Fiji and also from Tonga."
"Beyond the game, the Pacific Rugby League Partnership is an investment in our people. It will help expand access to education, skills development, and training, creating pathways that empower young Pacific Islanders and strengthen our communities for generations to come," the Prime Minister's Office in Tonga stated.
Tonga and Australia deepen relationship
PM Lord Fakafanua held his first bilateral meeting with the PM Anthony Albanese since assuming office, "discussing matters of shared interest and opportunities to further strengthen the longstanding partnership between Tonga and Australia," PMO stated.
He also held a separate bilateral meeting with Australia's Deputy PM Hon. Richard Marles.
Supporting the PM during these engagements were Chief Secretary & Secretary to Cabinet, Paula Maʻu, and the Acting High Commissioner of Tonga to Australia, Curtis Tuihalangingie.
