Tonga’s Rugby League Squad, Mate Ma'a Tonga arrived in Tonga this morning, 10 October for a five-day visit before they leave for England for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

The 24-man team visited parliament at mid-day today, and were greeted by MPs wearing red Mate Ma’a Tonga jerseys. Crown Prince Tupouto’a 'Ulukalala was also in parliament to welcome the team. The team later attended a luncheon and a photo shoot organised outside the parliament building.

During the proceedings, an excited crowd of fans draped in red colours, looked on in support from outside the parliament gates.

Speeches and prayers of welcome and motivation were made by Minister of Health, Lord Tu’i’afitu; the Speaker of the House, Lord Fakafanua; People’s representatives, ‘Akilisi Pohiva and Falisi Tupou; the Minister of Internal Affairs, Lord Vaea, and the acting Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu.

Lord Vaea expressed his gratitude to the team on behalf of Tonga, and presented the coach Charles Tonga and team captain Brent Kite team with a cash donation from the Nobles' Representatives.

“We thank you for taking your time out, to come and represent the island Kingdom of Tonga. This is your profession, a profession that day in and day out, every weekend you play in front of the audience, we watch you from Tonga and when you fly out next week you take us with you,” Lord Vaea told Charles Tonga and Brent Kite.

A speech was also made by the team captain Brent Kite who introduced the members of the Mate Ma’a Tonga and expressed his gratitude on behalf of the team.

Vice-Prime Minister Samiu Vaipulu told the team, “We may be small. We may not be many. But we have heart, we have the courage and we have the will to win. Today His Majesty is here to give you all the support and our trust that the games you play you must win. I know this must be an expectation that maybe too high and too aggressive.”

Outside Parliament House the Mate Ma’a Tonga squad performed their Sipi Tau for Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and MPs.

The Official Squad named for the Rugby League World Cup:

1. Brent Kite (C) (Manly Sea Eagles)
2. Jorge Taufua (Manly Sea Eagles)
3. Sosaia Feki (Cronulla Sharks)
4. Nesiasi Mataitonga (Cronulla Sharks)
5. Pat Politoni (Cronulla Sharks)
6. Glen Fisi’iahi (NZ Warriors)
7. Siliva Havili (NZ Warriors)
8. Konrad Hurrell (NZ Warriors)
9. Mahe Fonua (Melbourne Storm)
10. Siosaia Vave (Melbourne Storm)
11. Siuatonga Likiliki (Newcastle Knights)
12. Jason Taumalolo (North Queensland Cowboys)
13. Fuifui Moimoi (Parramatta Eels)
14. Peni Terepo (Parramatta Eels)
15. Sika Manu (Penrith Panthers)
16.  Daniel Foster (Penrith Panthers)
17. Samisoni Langi (Sydney Roosters)
18. Nafe Seluini (Sydney Roosters)
19. Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
20. Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers)
21. Ukuma Ta’ai (Huddersfield Giants)
22. Mickey Paea (Hull Kingston Rovers)
23. Willie Manu (St. Helens)
24. Sydney Havea (Liahona Old Boys).

Charles Tonga (Coach)