The Tonga Men’s Nines Rugby League team lost to Australia 14 – 8 in the final of the Rugby League 2018 Commonwealth Championship. The final became an 8-a-side match after a brawl in the opening minutes of the game led to two players from each team being sent-off. The Tonga women’s rugby league team failed to win a medal despite topping their pool. The two-day Under 23’s tournament started on Friday 23 February.

The Tonga men’s team topped their pool on day 1 of the tournament, beating Samoa 22 – 8, England 12 – 6 and Papua New Guinea 20 – 12.

On day 2, team Tonga proceeded to the semi-finals where they defeated Fiji 22 – 6. The final was hotly contested with Tonga trailing Australia 8 – 10 thanks to tries by Isileli Uilou and Addison Demetriou. Tonga failed to score an equalizer as Australia extended their lead to 14 – 8. Samoa grabbed third place after beating Fiji 20 – 6.

Day 2 was highly disappointing for the Tonga women’s team – who topped their pool on the day 1 of the competition beating Canada 8 – 4 and the Cook Islands 12 – 4. On day 2, they lost to Samoa 20 – 0 in the semi-final and then lost a bronze medal decider against the Cook Islands 20 – 0.

The Rugby League 2018 Commonwealth Championship took place at Dolphin stadium in Brisbane, Australia.

Tonga Men’s Nines Rugby League team: Semisi Kioa, Siosaia Talivakaola, George Ili, Joseph Kaufusitu’a, Addison Demtriou, Mali Le Pou, Authur Tupou, Netane Masima, Izaac Thompson, Sione Vea, Taealoaloa Mone, Myles Taueli, Sione Tonga, Tonga Tongotongo, Isileli Uilou.

Tonga Women’s Nines Rugby League team: Kobe Dymock, Mele Maatuleio, Takilele Katoa, Jeorgia Lotoaniu, Filomina Hanisi, Eva Karpani, Lanulangi Veainu, Lilieta Maumau, Joy Tedeschi, Aieshaleigh Smalley, Metanoia Fotu-Moala, Kristian Moataane, Teuila Fotu-Moala, Loretta Mailangi, Meleanna Waters.