Photos by Linny Folau

Seven players fromTonga’s Rugby League Mate Ma’a Tonga received a heroic welcome and were mobbed by hundreds of ecstatic fans this morning, at Tonga's Fua‘amotu International Airport, when they arrived home after exiting the Rugby League World Cup.

The players who included Fuifui Moimoi, Ukuma Ta’ai, Daniel Foster, Siosaia Vave, Jason Taumalolo, Peni Terepo and Konrad Hurrell with coach Charles Tonga were welcomed by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala at the VIP area before exiting the airport terminal to a sea of mad-red supporters.

Players had to be assisted by police officers to get into their waiting vehicles as fans swarmed around them offering kisses and hugs. Vehicles decked in red and white carried the enthustiastic fans who followed the team into Nuku'alofa where more excited supporters lined the streets.

The team joined a fundraising event at the CBD square today and are expected to depart Tonga next week. Other players disembarked in Sydney and Auckland on the journey home.