By Linny Folau

An appeal filed by Tonga National Rugby League’s Board of Directors against their dismissal by a Supreme Court judge last year is expected to be heard in April, 2019.

The appeal filed in December is against Hon Mr Justice Laki Niu's judgment on November 12, 2018 dismissing Chairman Stan Moheloa and Board of Directors due to their failure to properly audit TNRL finances.

This appeal by TNRL President Semisi Sika, Stan Moheloa and Tonga National Rugby League is expected to be heard during the first sitting of the Court of Appeal on the second week of April.

Justice Niu in his November 2018 judgment said, after hearing from sworn evidence, he was satisfied that a purported audit of the league's finances on October 29, 2018 was not a proper audit because it did not match the bank statements for the audited period.

He said at the time that this was because substantial sums proved to have been received and paid by the league were not shown in this purported audited report, as provided by the evidence of the first plaintiff. "Such action and inaction on the part of the Board and all its members constitute misconduct."

The judge then ordered that the board of directors, including the chairman and vice-chariman be dismissed.

In addition, a new board of directors to be elected are not to include any member of the dismissed board.

This claim was brought by plaintiffs Siliveinusi Taumoepeau, Evona Latu, Siuiti Leilani Alatinui and Sione Tu’akalau against defendants Semisi Sika, Stan Moheloa and Tonga National Rugby League Incorporated Society.

Meanwhile, the Acting Attorney General 'Aminiasi Kefu has been appointed by the Court to act as Amicus Curiae, to convene and conduct a General Meeting to elect the new board of directors.

The dismissed board of directors had included the Chairman Stan Moheloa, Tavake Fangupo, Siu Fangupo, Pita Vakautakakala and Matani Nifofa.