Tongan Prime Minister Dr. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has congratulated the Tongan rugby league team for their victory over the British Lions last weekend.
Dr. Tu’i’onetoa said he was speaking on behalf of His Majesty King Tupou VI, the Government and the People of Tonga.
“I respectfully express our gratitude to the captain, coach and members of the Tonga Rugby League Invitational XIII for their great victory over the Great Britain Lions last Saturday,” he said.
The Tongan team has been praised in the media for its performance, with the Guardian calling Saturday’s outcome “a stunning victory” and Australian Associated Press saying they put on a “frightening display of physicality and flair.”
Tonga defeated the British Lions 14-6 in Hamilton last Saturday.
Tonga led 12-nil at half time, but the Lions fought back for a nail biting finish.
Dr. Tu’i’onetoa’s comments came ahead of Tonga’s clash with Australia at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday (November 2).
Saturday’s match will kick off at 7.40pm and will be the climax of an afternoon of rugby featuring New Zealand and the British Lions and Samoa vs Fiji.
The Tongan squad has been named as 1. Will Hopoate 2. David Fusitua 3. Michael Jennings 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. Daniel Tupou 6. Tuimoala Lolohea 7. Ata Hingano 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Siliva Havili 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila 12. Manu Ma’u 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Sione Katoa 15. Addin Fonua-Blake 16. John Asiata 17. Sitili Tupouniua 18. Fanitesi Niu 19. Tevita Pangai Junior 20. Joe Ofahengaue 21. Kotoni Staggs
The main points
- Tongan Prime Minister Dr. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa has congratulated the Tongan rugby league team for their victory over the British Lions last weekend.
- The Prime Minister’s comments came ahead of Tonga’s clash with Australia at Eden Park in Auckland this Saturday (November 2).
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