A teenage girl waving what appeared to be a Tongan flag from a moving van attracted police attention in Queensland, Australia, leading to a traffic stop that resulted in a 22-year-old learner driver receiving A$6,077 in fines and 25 demerit points.
The incident occurred amid widespread celebrations by Tongan rugby league supporters ahead of the national team’s World Cup clash with England, which Tonga subsequently won 30–12 in Perth on Saturday, 17 October.
Queensland Police said officers spotted the teenager waving a flag from a Hyundai iLoad travelling along Redbank Plains Road, southwest of Brisbane, at approximately 10.30pm on Wednesday, 14 October.
Officers stopped the vehicle and discovered three other 14-year-old teenagers travelling without proper restraints in the rear of the van.
The female learner driver, from Redbank Plains, received seven traffic infringement notices for alleged offences including carrying unrestrained passengers, exceeding the vehicle’s permitted passenger capacity, driving without an authorised supervisor and failing to display learner plates.
Police footage shared on the myPolice Greater Ipswich Facebook page also shows a passenger wearing a shirt with what appears to be a Tongan flag design on the sleeve.
Another van is seen apparently waiting at traffic lights across the road, with a passenger waving what also appears to be a Tongan flag.
However, police have not confirmed whether the flag in question was Tongan or whether the occupants were participating in rugby league celebrations.
Police issue safety warning
Ipswich Highway Patrol Officer in Charge Senior Sergeant Jarrad Tyne said the incident highlighted the importance of ensuring passengers were properly restrained.
“We want to remind all drivers whether you’re heading out to celebrate an event or catching up with friends and family it’s important to make sure everyone gets home safely,” he said.
The Hyundai iLoad was registered to carry only three occupants but was carrying five people when police stopped it.
Queensland Police released the footage on Tuesday, 20 October, as part of a public road safety warning.
World Cup victory fuels celebrations
Tongan supporters had begun displaying national flags and celebrating across Australia, New Zealand and Tonga in the days leading up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
The excitement intensified after Tonga defeated England 30–12 at HBF Park in Perth, with Haumole Olakauʻatu scoring twice and Stefano Utoikamanu and Tolutau Koula adding a try each.
The match attracted 18,302 spectators, including King Tupou VI and Crown Prince Tupoutoʻa ʻUlukalala.
The victory strengthened Tonga’s prospects of advancing further in the tournament and provided another occasion for overseas Tongan communities to demonstrate their national pride.
Queensland’s Tongan community
Queensland is home to a substantial Tongan community, including families living in Brisbane, Ipswich and surrounding areas.
According to the 2021 Australian Census, approximately 9,491 Queensland residents reported Tongan ancestry, while 2,225 were born in Tonga.
The community forms part of Australia’s wider Tongan diaspora, where rugby league has become an important expression of cultural identity and solidarity with the national team.
