Fifteen local Tongan Rugby League players have been selected to represent Tonga in the Hong Kong Rugby League (HKRL) Nines tournament for the first time, held at King’s Park, Kowloon, on 27 May.

Players were in Nuku’alofa today fundraising to help with their travel expenses before heading off to the Nines tournament next Wednesday, 23 May.

This year, seven teams from Hong Kong and two teams from the Pacific, Papua New Guinea (Diamond Chiefs) and Tonga, will take part in the annual Nines competition. The PNG Diamond Chiefs won the tournament last year after entering it for the first time.

The HKRL Nines is Hong Kong’s very own annual rugby league nines tournament. Nines is a quicker, shortened format of the game. 

Tonga’s team:

1. Samuela Fiefia (VC) -  Mu'a Saints
2. Palu Tu'akalau - Mu'a Saints
3. Seilame Tukuafu - Ha'ateiho Spartans
4. Manu Halasima - Ha'ateiho Spartans
5. Kulisitofa Mafi - Ha'asini Panthers
6. Sione Laukau Vea  - Toloa Old Boys
7. Siu Kakala - Toloa Old Boys
8. Sione Moala - Valni Doves
9. Siokivaha Ma'afu - Lapaha Knights
10. Taufu'i Ma'afu - Lapaha Knights
11. Sefo Suluka - Lapaha Knights
12. Bruce Folau - Fasi Ma'ufanga Vikings
13. Soane Ta'ai - Fuekafa (Te'ekiu)
14. Kelea Moli - Liahona Li'ekina Old Boys
15. Vai Hausia - Havelu Bulldogs

Reserves:

1. Fine Tokai - Ha'ateiho Crusaders
2. Sione Moala Puleiku - Vaotu'u
3. Violeti Kolo - Fasi Ma'ufanga Vikings
4. Siaosi Nai - Ha'asini Panthers
5. Lamipeti Havea - Kolomotua Warriors

Head Coach: Malakai Mahina, Ha'asini Panthers
Team Manager: Siu’ivaha Fangupo