Tonga National Rugby League XIII powerhouse Haumole Olakauʻatu has traded his rugby league jersey for a firefighter’s uniform, prompting light-hearted banter about whether the Manly Sea Eagles star might already have what it takes to join the fire service.
The photograph comes amid nationwide celebrations across the Kingdom of Tonga following the national team’s arrival on Wednesday after its 2026 Rugby League World Cup campaign. The players flew to Vavaʻu on Thursday before returning to Tongatapu for today’s homecoming float parade, described as the largest ever staged in Tonga.
The Tonga Fire and Emergency Services posted the photograph of Olakauʻatu in its uniform, accompanied by playful banter suggesting the physically imposing rugby league forward was already fit and well suited to becoming a firefighter.
Wearing a red Fire Service polo shirt, tan firefighting trousers, black protective boots and red suspenders, Olakauʻatu stood confidently in front of fire trucks and Tongan flags, looking every bit the professional firefighter.
His appearance was part of the government’s arrangements for the homecoming parade, under which ministries and departments were assigned individual players to host aboard their respective floats.
Olakauʻatu was allocated to Tonga Fire and Emergency Services and scheduled to ride aboard one of its fire trucks during the procession Tonga College, ‘Atele through Nukuʻalofa to Apifo’ou College.
The assignment provided the department with an opportunity to showcase its services alongside one of Tonga’s most recognisable international rugby league stars.
It also raised a humorous question for Fire and Emergency New Zealand: could the powerful forward have a second career waiting for him when his rugby league playing days are over?
Olakauʻatu was among the players celebrated for Tonga’s World Cup campaign, which ended with a 34–10 semi-final defeat to New Zealand.
Despite missing the final, the team’s performances generated enormous national pride, with supporters turning out to welcome the players home.
For Olakauʻatu, the firefighter’s uniform offered a different kind of national representation, celebrating alongside those responsible for protecting lives and property across the Kingdom.
And while his professional career remains firmly on the rugby league field, his appearance has certainly provided Tonga Fire and Emergency Services with a formidable figure for its World Cup homecoming parade.
