Tonga Netball are the champions of the 2022 Pacific Australia Netball Series after defeating Fiji in the grand final 60-52 on Saturday, March 26 in Sydney, Australia.

The national team were the only undefeated side in the tournament winning all games against Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Fiji, and Singapore.

Two Tongan players also won the Most Valuable Player Award.

Captain Hulita Veve and Goal Shooter Uneeq Palavi shared the Series MVP Award, and Uneeq also received the Grand Final MVP Medal.

Prime Minister Hon Hu’akavameiliku said the team brought Tongans at home and overseas together during the event “and their achievement is something that we all should be celebrating”.

“I congratulate the team, management and Tonga Netball officials for the great achievement.”

“At a time when Tonga is currently going through the current COVID-19 challenge and having just gone through the event of January 15, the win certainly has lifted our spirits,” he said.

In a facebook post, Tonga Netball said this win is for our God, King and Country.

“To every Tongan, Man, Woman & Child, we hope this result is a reminder of how resilient our people are and that we will get through these challenging times.”

The Pacific Australia Netball Series is the first event held for the participating teams after a two and half year break in international netball.

The series provided teams with experience, court time, tour and match practice, combinations, and exposure leading into the 2023 Netball World Cup Qualifiers.