Tonga's 'Esiafi ready for Women's RL World Cup [1]
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 - 17:49. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:12.
Tonga's National Women's Rugby League Team, the 'Esiafi, is ready to jet away tomorrow to the 3rd Women's Rugby League World Cup competition in Australia.
The 21 players who have been selected to represent Tonga had their final training at Teufaiva this morning.
The team who will be accompanied by six officials will fly to Sydney tomorrow, October 30 then to Queensland on Sunday November 1.
Three matches
Netina Latu, the trainer said today the World Cup will be held from November 3 - 16 and the Tongan team would play three games at Stockland Park, Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
The 'Esiafi's first match will be against Samoa on November 6, then the reigning champions New Zealand on Saturday November 8. The 'Esiafi's final pool match will be against a Pacific Island team on Monday November 10.
Netina said that the players have been training hard for the World Cup and they are committed and confident to represent Tonga.
Mark Hojelsen, the Manager added that team is a mix of new players and experienced players, some of whom played for Tonga in the 2005 World Cup in New Zealand.
"We are targeting to win our pool matches but the main thing is exposing the girls to this level of international competition," said Mark.
Tonga played in the Bowl final during the 2005 World Cup but New Zealand came out as the champions.
The team will return to Tonga on November 24.
The 'Esiafi team:
Forwards,
Lute Lamisisi, Tupou Tu'ifua, Siulolo Taufa, Melelua Veamatahau, Fa'asalu Fifita, Vea Toluta'u, Tokilupe Veamatahau, Fehoko Tu'ivai, 'Ana 'Iongi.
Backs,
Sala Veamatahau, 'Atelaite Manu, Seini Malungahu, Lilo Malungahu, Fakaola Malungahu, Renee Folaumoetu'i, Lupe Fisilau, Lose Palahame, Lata Lelenga Tu'ifutuna, Pesalini Lave, Milika Tonga Funaki, Mele Moli.
Officials,
Fatafehi Tuita (Women's Rugby League President Representative), Mark Hojelsen (Manager), Tara Naige (Coach), Netina Latu (Trainer), Sione Kaho (Technical Adviser), Sonata Tupou (Team Officer)