By Everest Hala

A new development initiative aimed at nurturing young rugby league players both on and off the field was launched in Nukuʻalofa today, 13 March, in an effort to strengthen the sport’s grassroots development in Tonga.

Officials from the National Rugby League in Australia, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Tonga National Rugby League gathered with community coaches and rugby league stakeholders for the launch of the RISE program, a holistic youth development initiative targeting aspiring players aged 13 to 19 years.

Chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission, Peter Beattie, said the program forms part of a 10-year strategy to expand rugby league across the Pacific, with a focus on Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

“Rugby league is more than just a game. It’s about building healthy communities and helping young people succeed, whether in sport or other careers,” Beattie said.

Pathway to elite competitions

Speaking at the launch, Steve Meredith, a former professional Samoan rugby league player, said the program is designed to strengthen grassroots rugby league while creating pathways for young players to progress into elite competitions such as the NRL and NRLW.

Meredith explained that the program goes beyond teaching technical skills on the field and instead focuses on developing well-rounded individuals.

“While young players may have talent on the field, it is equally important that they develop strong values, discipline and wellbeing so they can thrive in life beyond rugby league,” he said.

The RISE framework is built around four key principles: Routine, Identity, Socialise and Evolve; encouraging young athletes to develop healthy habits, embrace their cultural identity, build strong relationships and continuously improve.

NRL coach trainer, Mike Castle said sport provides an important platform for teaching life skills and creating positive environments for young people.

“It’s about developing good human beings and creating an environment where young people can thrive,” he said.

Tonga growth

NRL Country Manager for Tonga Tavake Fangupo acknowledged the collective effort behind the sport’s growth here.

Fangupo said the local development team includes Sione Haʻangana, head referee Soane Taʻai, and many other members working together to strengthen rugby league in Tonga.

He acknowledged the wider community supporting the sport, including single mothers and mothers caring for both male and female rugby players, who continue to play an important role in nurturing young athletes.

Fangupo said the program also brings hope for the establishment of rugby league academies in Tonga, allowing young players to develop their skills locally while remaining close to their families and communities.

“To have kids getting paid, or living here, looking after your mom and dad, without going overseas, that's a great program that we would love to have.” Tavake Fangupo said.

The RISE program has already engaged thousands of young athletes in Australia and is expected to expand across Pacific nations as part of ongoing efforts to grow rugby league and create new opportunities for youth throughout the region.

The event was held at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, with coaches from 16 community rugby league clubs in attendance.

The National Rugby League is a professional  rugby league competition in Oceania which is currently contested by 17 teams from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and New Zealand.