Tonga National Rugby League XIII captain Jason Taumalolo may have played his final Rugby League World Cup match following Saturday’s 34–10 semi-final defeat to New Zealand, raising questions about the international future of one of Tonga’s most influential rugby league figures.

The 33-year-old forward, who will be 37 when the next World Cup takes place in 2030, has not announced his retirement, but Australian Associated Press (AAP) reported that he is unlikely to feature in another tournament.

His uncertain future comes nearly a decade after his historic decision in October 2017 to switch international allegiance from New Zealand back to Tonga, inspiring other established players to represent their ancestral homeland and helping forge an extraordinary bond between the national team, widely known as Mate Maʻa Tonga, and its supporters.

Speaking after the defeat in Newcastle, Taumalolo expressed confidence in the next generation of Tongan players.

“I think with the core group players that we have right now they can really make their mark in the international scene,” he said, according to AAP.

“They’re only going to get better from here,” he added, while praising players who had chosen to represent Tonga rather than New Zealand or Australia.

Although his comments focused on the team’s future, Taumalolo gave no indication of whether he intends to continue representing Tonga in international matches outside the World Cup.

The decision that transformed Tonga

Taumalolo’s historic switch to Tonga in 2017 was initially met with fierce criticism from sections of the New Zealand rugby league community, with some branding him a “traitor” and a “defector” for leaving the Kiwis ahead of the World Cup.

Then-Kiwis captain Adam Blair accused him of betraying the national jersey, while former captain Benji Marshall also criticised his decision.

Taumalolo later acknowledged the accusations, recalling that players had been called “defectors” and “traitors”, but remained committed to representing Tonga.

His decision helped reshape international rugby league. Tonga defeated New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup before recording another historic victory over Australia in 2019, demonstrating its ability to challenge the sport’s traditional powers.

Beyond those achievements, the movement helped create a powerful connection between Tonga’s players and supporters, becoming an expression of national pride and cultural identity.

Tongan communities in Tonga, New Zealand, Australia and the United States have since embraced the team through flag parades, vehicle convoys and community gatherings, turning international rugby league matches into celebrations of their shared heritage.

Inspiring a new generation

Taumalolo’s influence on younger players was highlighted in a Fox Sports report published on November 6, in which Tonga halfback Isaiya Katoa acknowledged the importance of Taumalolo and Fifita’s decisions in encouraging other players to represent their heritage.

Former Tonga international Konrad Hurrell also recalled the excitement among players when they learned that Taumalolo had committed to Tonga in 2017.

That influence remains evident in Tonga’s 2026 World Cup squad, where a new generation of players has continued the path established nearly a decade earlier.

More than half the players used during the tournament were making their first World Cup appearance, with Taumalolo and Tui Lolohea the only remaining members of the 2017 squad.

Uncertainty over Tonga’s leadership

Questions about Tonga’s future also extend to coach Kristian Woolf, who has led the national team since 2014 and has declined to confirm whether he will remain in charge for the 2030 World Cup.

Following the semi-final defeat, Woolf said he would consider his future in due course, describing the loss as a missed opportunity for a talented squad.

While neither Taumalolo nor Woolf has confirmed plans to step away from the national team, their uncertain futures come at a time of generational change for Tonga rugby league.

Whatever Taumalolo decides, his 2017 allegiance switch has left a lasting legacy, inspiring players to represent their heritage and helping transform Tonga national rugby league into a powerful symbol of Tongan identity and unity.

Tongan-American pop star Dinah Jane received a warm homecoming welcome in Vavaʻu on Saturday, November 7, as her maternal family and supporters celebrated her arrival following a public controversy over her performance of Tonga’s national anthem.

Jane was welcomed at Lupepauʻu Airport before joining a colourful vehicle parade to Tefisi, where her maternal ancestors originated and members of her extended family, or kāinga, live.

Jane’s arrival in Vavaʻu had been highly anticipated following an announcement days earlier by prominent social media influencer Siaki Lonitenisi, who organised a bicycle parade in support of Tonga National Rugby League XIII.

The parade took place last Saturday morning, ahead of Jane’s arrival that afternoon. Lonitenisi had previously told his followers and parade participants that they would head directly to Lupepauʻu Airport after the event to welcome the Tongan pop star.

Photos shared on Facebook showed Lonitenisi and cyclists dressed in red and white joining the parade to welcome Jane, who was seen waving from the back of a red pickup truck as cheering crowds lined the roadsides along the procession route.

Among those celebrating Jane’s arrival on Facebook were commenters who took the opportunity to share their family connections to the former Fifth Harmony star. One commenter claimed they were related through a Tangulu great-grandfather from Tefisi, explaining that Jane’s mother, Milika Amasio, belonged to the Tangulu clan.

Joyful Homecoming Amid Controversy

The celebrations brought a more joyful chapter to the singer’s visit to Tonga, days after her rendition of the national anthem before the Tonga National Rugby League XIII’s clash with Samoa on November 1 sparked public debate.

Former New Zealand Olympic champion Dame Valerie Adams had criticised Jane’s departure from the anthem’s traditional melody, particularly a climactic vocal run that ended on a high note rather than the lower notes of the original composition.

Jane subsequently responded to the criticism, expressing disappointment at Adams’ remarks and defending her performance as an artistic interpretation. She argued that vocal runs are widely used by internationally renowned singers and questioned why she had been singled out for using the technique.

The exchange attracted public attention and prompted debate over artistic interpretation and the importance of preserving the traditional musical structure of Tonga’s national anthem.

The debate on Kaniva Tonga News’ Facebook page has attracted thousands of comments and reactions, dividing the community between supporters of Adams and Jane, with the exchanges also descending into personal attacks.

Some of Jane’s supporters rebuked Adams, arguing that her criticism was unwelcome because she had represented New Zealand rather than Tonga during her career as a world champion shot putter. Meanwhile, Adams’ supporters countered that Jane was free to alter the melody if it were her own song, but not when performing Tonga’s national anthem.

Tonga’s hopes of reaching the Rugby League World Cup final have been dashed, but die-hard supporters remain firmly behind their national team after a campaign that united Tongan communities at home and overseas.

Tonga National Rugby League XIII suffered a 34–10 defeat to the New Zealand Kiwis in Saturday night’s semi-final at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia.

The match initially offered hope of an upset when winger Jojo Fifita scored twice to give Tonga a 10–6 lead in the first half.

However, New Zealand regained control before halftime, taking a 12–10 advantage into the break before scoring four unanswered tries in the second half to secure victory.

Despite the disappointment, the passionate national pride displayed through flag parades, vehicle convoys and community gatherings ahead of the semi-final continues to overshadow any negative feelings following Tonga’s defeat.

That unwavering loyalty has carried over to social media, where supporters continue to express their pride in the team. Messages such as “Go Mate Maʻa Tonga! Win or lose, we still support you!” reflect the enduring spirit of fans whose commitment remains undiminished by the result.

In Vavaʻu, social media influencer Siaki Lonitenisi organised a colourful bicycle parade, while supporters in ʻEua also took to the streets in red and white.

Similar displays of solidarity among Tongan communities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States highlighted the team’s importance beyond the rugby league field.

Tonga had reached the semi-finals following a memorable 20–18 victory over Pacific rivals Samoa, which sparked widespread celebrations.

For many supporters, the team’s performances have provided an opportunity to celebrate their Tongan identity and shared sporting ambitions, regardless of the final result.

New Zealand will now face the winner of the Australia–Samoa semi-final in the World Cup final in Brisbane on 15 November.

New Zealand’s history of special-vote counting has raised questions about whether Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s narrow parliamentary majority will survive the final election results, potentially placing Fiji-born Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong in a decisive kingmaker position.

Saturday’s general election left National and its coalition partners, ACT and New Zealand First, with a projected 67 seats in a 131-seat Parliament, just above the 66-seat majority threshold. Labour and its potential governing partners, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori, secured a projected 57 seats, while Opportunity gained seven.

The Electoral Commission’s preliminary results, released on Sunday, show that approximately 399,365 special votes, including 96,947 overseas and dictation votes, remain to be checked and counted. Special votes require additional eligibility checks, with the official results expected on Friday, 27 November, potentially changing the parliamentary balance.

National lost two seats between election night and the official count in each of the last three general elections, according to Electoral Commission records.

In 2023, its allocation fell from 50 to 48 seats, following similar reductions from 35 to 33 in 2020 and 58 to 56 in 2017.

Special votes accounted for 603,257 ballots, or approximately 21 percent of votes cast, in 2023, compared with around 17 percent in both 2020 and 2017. The estimated 399,365 special votes in the current election represent approximately 14 percent of the anticipated total vote.

If National’s coalition loses a net two seats in the current election and Parliament remains at 131 members, its projected majority would disappear, leaving it with 65 seats.

Such a shift could make Wong’s seven projected MPs crucial to negotiations over the next government, although historical voting patterns do not guarantee a similar outcome this year.

Special votes changed government arithmetic in 1999

The 2017 election provides a striking precedent. Although National won more seats than Labour, special votes reduced its parliamentary allocation from 58 to 56, while Labour gained one seat and the Greens another. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters subsequently chose to support a Labour-led government, enabling Jacinda Ardern to become Prime Minister despite National remaining the largest party.

A significant precedent occurred in 1999, when special votes deprived the Labour–Alliance coalition of its projected parliamentary majority.

The coalition finished with 59 seats in the 120-member Parliament, while the Green Party gained seven seats after initially securing none in the election-night allocation.

Labour and the Alliance subsequently formed a minority coalition government.

Wong’s historic breakthrough

Born in Fiji to a Chinese father and Pākehā mother, Wong, 38, moved to New Zealand when she was six months old and grew up in Auckland. Her parents met while studying at university in New Zealand.

She is poised to make electoral history as the first party leader without prior parliamentary experience to lead a party into Parliament under New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) system.

Her Opportunity Party received 144,298 votes, or 5.96 percent of the preliminary party vote, securing seven list seats.

Opportunity’s potential influence will depend on the official results and whether either major political bloc needs its support to form a government.

Wong has indicated she is willing to negotiate with either bloc, although Luxon has previously ruled out governing with Opportunity because of disagreements over its tax proposals.

Potential benefits for Tongan families

Opportunity’s economic proposals could have implications for Tongan households, particularly those facing rising living costs and housing pressures.

The party proposes a Citizen’s Income of up to NZ$370 a week for eligible adults, replacing several existing welfare benefits.

It also advocates an annual land-value tax of 1.75 percent on urban land and 0.5 percent on rural land, aimed at discouraging land banking and improving housing affordability.

Opportunity claims its wider reforms would improve household finances and reduce house prices, although the financial impact would vary depending on household circumstances and property ownership.

Whether any of these proposals become government policy could depend on Opportunity’s influence in the next Parliament.

The Electoral Commission is expected to release the official election results on 27 November, following the counting of special votes.

A long convoy of vehicles flying red-and-white Tongan flags filled the roads of ʻEua as supporters rallied behind Tonga National Rugby League XIII ahead of tonight’s crucial World Cup semi-final against New Zealand’s Kiwis.

The colourful display came as Tonga suffered an injury setback, with star centre Robert Toʻia ruled out because of a leg injury. Penrith Panthers centre Paul Alamoti has been named as his replacement.

Videos shared on social media showed cars, vans and pickup trucks travelling in a procession along a road in ʻEua, reflecting the excitement surrounding the national team’s historic campaign.

The celebrations followed a bicycle parade in Vavaʻu, where supporters of different ages took part, including children riding small bicycles and toy vehicles.

Similar displays of solidarity have taken place among Tongan communities in New Zealand, Australia and the United States.

Tonga advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Pacific rivals Samoa 20–18 last weekend in a closely contested encounter.

Despite Toʻia’s absence, the team will be looking to maintain its winning momentum against a formidable New Zealand side.

The Kiwis could be strengthened by the return of Kalyn Ponga, who has been included in the match squad following his recovery from a broken arm.

The semi-final will take place at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, Australia, with kick-off scheduled for 10.05pm New Zealand time.

The winner will advance to the Rugby League World Cup final in Brisbane on 15 November, with Tonga seeking its first appearance in the tournament’s championship match.

Hundreds of red-and-white Tongan flags filled the streets of Vavaʻu as prominent social media influencer Siaki Lonitenisi organised a colourful bicycle parade to rally support for the Tonga National Rugby League XIII ahead of this evening’s clash with the New Zealand Kiwis.

The celebrations came ahead of Tonga’s highly anticipated Rugby League World Cup semi-final against the New Zealand Kiwis tonight, Saturday, 7 November, with the unbeaten Tongan side seeking a fourth consecutive victory and a place in the final.

Similar celebrations have taken place among Tongan communities overseas, including in New Zealand, Australia and Portland in the United States, where supporters have organised vehicle convoys, waved national flags and gathered to celebrate Mate Maʻa Tonga’s World Cup campaign.

In South Auckland, particularly Ōtāhuhu, thousands of supporters filled the streets following Tonga’s victory over Samoa, while flag-waving vehicle parades were also reported in Sydney and Salt Lake City, Utah.

A Facebook livestream shared by Lonitenisi showed an enthusiastic procession of supporters riding bicycles decorated with Tongan flags, while others waved large national flags and proudly wore Tonga’s red colours.

Some participants walked alongside the young riders, while others dressed in red-and-white outfits, waved flags and joined the procession through streets lined with vehicles.

The parade brought together families and supporters in a festive atmosphere, with even the youngest participants taking part in the public display of national pride.

Lonitenisi, one of Tonga’s well-known social media personalities, has built a substantial following through his entertaining livestreams and unconventional online content.

His popularity extends beyond Vavaʻu, with Kaniva Tonga previously reporting that Tongans visiting from overseas often travel to the island specifically to meet him, sometimes bringing gifts.

Tonga NRL XIII enter the semi-final with a perfect record, having won all three matches since the tournament began in October.

They opened their campaign with a 30–12 victory over England before defeating Lebanon 36–0.

Tonga then secured a dramatic 20–18 victory over Pacific rivals Samoa on 1 November to advance to the semi-finals.

The parade highlighted the strong connection between rugby league and Tongan national identity, bringing supporters together in a display of patriotism, unity and community spirit.

Tonga’s ʻIkale Tahi defeated Romania 43–38 in a thrilling World Rugby Nations Cup encounter in Bucharest on Friday, securing a hard-fought five-point victory over the hosts.

The high-scoring contest at Stadionul Național Arcul de Triumf saw both teams battle for supremacy in an entertaining international rugby showdown.

Tonga held their nerve in a closely fought encounter, overcoming a determined Romanian side to secure victory on European soil.

The result marked a successful return to the competition for ʻIkale Tahi, who entered the November fixtures seeking to improve their standing after recording one victory in their opening three Nations Cup matches in July.

Captained by Fetuli Paea, Tonga fielded a combination of experienced internationals and emerging players, with Siaosi Nginingini and Patrick Pellegrini forming the halfback partnership.

The victory also reversed Tonga’s 25–15 defeat to Romania in Bucharest in November 2024.

The two nations have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with Tonga defeating Romania 45–24 at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Tonga entered Friday’s encounter ranked 19th in the world, two places ahead of Romania.

ʻIkale Tahi will continue their Nations Cup campaign against Georgia in Tbilisi on 14 November before facing Hong Kong China on 21 November.

Tongan-American Republican Doug Fiefia has declared victory in Utah’s Senate District 18 election, thanking voters and supporters for securing his place in the state’s legislature.

The election was held on November 3 as part of the US midterm elections, which saw Democrats wrest control of both houses of Congress from Republicans. Fiefia, a Republican, contested Utah’s Senate District 18 after defeating incumbent Senator Dan McCay in the June primary.

In a Facebook statement following the election, Fiefia thanked voters, campaign volunteers and his family for their support.

“THANK YOU, Senate District 18! This victory belongs to you,” he wrote.

He acknowledged those who knocked on doors, made telephone calls, displayed campaign signs and encouraged others to support his candidacy.

“To every voter who trusted me with your voice. Thank you. We did this together,” Fiefia said.

He also paid tribute to his wife, Jocelyn, and their children for their sacrifices throughout the campaign.

“I’m humbled and honored to serve as your next State Senator,” he said.

“I’ll work every day to keep our families safe, our economy strong, and Utah a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.”

“The campaign is over. Now the work begins. Let’s go!”

Election results

Preliminary results published by The Salt Lake Tribune showed Fiefia receiving 11,542 votes, or approximately 55 percent, compared with Anderson’s 9,266 votes, or 45 percent.

The figures gave him a lead of 2,276 votes, although the results remained subject to official certification.

Fiefia’s election represents a significant development in the political representation of Americans of Tongan descent, particularly in Utah, which has an established Tongan and wider Pacific Islander community.

The Utah State Senate is part of the state’s legislature, responsible for passing state laws, approving budgets and overseeing government policies.

Unlike the United States Senate in Washington, DC, which deals with federal legislation, the Utah State Senate exercises legislative authority at the state level.

As Tonga advances to the Rugby League World Cup semifinals, Tongan-American pop and R&B singer Dinah Jane has defended her controversial rendition of the national anthem, expressing disappointment at Dame Valerie Adams for allegedly joining those mocking her performance.

The former Fifth Harmony star sang the anthem ahead of Tonga’s Rugby League World Cup match against Samoa on Sunday, November 1, with her departure from the traditional melody drawing mixed reactions from listeners.

While supporters praised Jane’s performance, critics argued that she should have adhered to the anthem’s original melody and pitch progression.

She also briefly paused near the end, apparently allowing the crowd singing along with her to be heard more clearly, a technique commonly used by popular singers to encourage audience participation and strengthen their connection with fans during live performances.

The debate has drawn reactions from people across different sections of the community, including Adams, the former Tongan New Zealand-born Olympic and world champion shot-putter.

Adams made her criticism in a TikTok video, acknowledging that she might not be “qualified” to comment on Jane’s performance before praising her rendition of the national anthem as “just beautiful” from the outset.

However, she took issue with the final lines, particularly “’o maluʻi ʻa Tupou”, where Jane departed from the traditional melody and ascended to a high note.

Adams imitated the passage by singing in a high-pitched voice, comparing Jane’s vocal interpretation to Beyoncé’s style.

She said Jane should have maintained the national anthem’s original melody rather than introducing such variations.

The video attracted considerable attention on TikTok, recording 3,574 shares, 1,240 comments and 3,900 reactions.

Jane Responds to Criticism

Following Adams’ remarks, Jane issued a Facebook statement expressing disappointment at the former Olympic champion’s criticism of her performance.

“Ms. Valerie Adams, I would’ve appreciated hearing your thoughts directly if my rendition bothered you that much,” Jane wrote.

“Coming from someone I’ve held in such high regard, I expected a little more grace rather than adding fuel to an already burning fire.”

Jane said she was hurt to see another successful Tongan woman whom she had admired and supported participating in the criticism.

“The same artistic freedom that’s celebrated elsewhere suddenly becomes a problem when it comes from me,” she wrote.

She acknowledged the importance of the national anthem and the preference among some listeners for a traditional performance.

“But as an artist, I saw an opportunity to share a piece of myself through my interpretation, just as I did in 2017,” Jane said.

“My intention was never to disrespect our anthem, our culture, or our people. Everything I did came from a place of genuine love, honor, and pride.”

Jane recalls struggles over cultural identity

Jane said the criticism had been particularly painful because of her efforts to establish her identity as a Tongan-American artist.

She recalled that during her years with Fifth Harmony, there were occasions when she felt she had to suppress aspects of her identity to fit into the group.

“I’ve spent so much of my journey fighting to embrace and proudly represent my identity as a Polynesian woman,” she wrote.

She said she had not expected to face criticism from members of her own community after years of working to represent her heritage.

“I never imagined that once I finally stood proudly in that identity, I’d have to defend it to my own people,” she said.

Jane also acknowledged that criticism was part of being a public figure but said it could still be hurtful.

“I don’t normally give negativity my attention, but I refuse to pretend that words don’t hurt simply because I’m a public figure,” she wrote.

Encouragement for future Tongan singers

Jane said she did not want her performance or appearance to cause division among Tongans.

She expressed hope that future Tongan singers would feel encouraged to perform without fear of ridicule.

“My hope is that every Tongan singer who comes after me feels inspired and encouraged to sing from their absoluteeee heart without fear of being ridiculed for expressing themselves!!” she wrote.

Jane reaffirmed her identity as a Tongan-American woman and said the criticism would not change her cultural pride.

“You don’t have to love how I sang it to respect the love I sang it with….”

Jane’s rendition reflected her established musical identity as a contemporary pop and R&B singer, incorporating vocal embellishments and a climactic ascending run in the anthem’s final line rather than following its traditional descending melody.

Tonga XIII have defeated Pacific rivals Toa Samoa 20–18 in a dramatic Rugby League World Cup encounter at CommBank Stadium in Sydney on Sunday night.

The narrow two-point victory extends Tonga’s unbeaten campaign to three matches following earlier wins over England and Lebanon.

The highly anticipated Pacific showdown saw both teams locked in a fierce defensive battle, with neither side managing to score during the opening 25 minutes.

Tonga finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when centre Robert Toia produced an impressive individual try, beating Samoa fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow.

Tonga entered the match having defeated England 30–12 and Lebanon 36–0, while Samoa had recorded commanding victories over France and Papua New Guinea.

The result also provides a measure of revenge for Tonga following Samoa’s 20–18 victory in their 2022 Rugby League World Cup quarter-final encounter.

The latest triumph adds another memorable chapter to the fierce sporting rivalry between the two Pacific nations as Tonga continue their pursuit of World Cup glory.