An under 16s Rugby league team is set to tour Sydney, Australia for the next two weeks. The team left Fua’amotu Airport early Saturday morning, 24 June 2023, under the Junior Rugby League pathways program

The program started with the launch of the Secondary School Rugby League competition in March 2023. From there a Tonga School Boys Under 16s Team was selected to travel to Australia to play Manly and West Tigers under 16s teams. It gives Local Junior Rugby League players in Tonga the opportunity to showcase their talent overseas in Australia. 

This is also an opportunity for the young boys to get School Scholarships through Rugby League Recruitment Managers from different NRL Clubs who will be watching the games.

“NRL Clubs throughout Australia are all connected to Secondary School Rugby League programs,” stated a NRL Tonga representative.

Through the support of Australia Government, Pacific Aus Sports, NRL Australia and NRL Tonga this will continue to be a long Term pathway program for Local Kids living in Tonga for next five years. This program is funded through Pacific Aus Sports and organised by NRL in Tonga Local staff.