Home Blog Page 558

A re-match against New Zealand, maybe a British Lions tour: All options on the table for Mate Ma’a Tonga  after Saturday’s game

By
Philip Cass
-

A re-match between Mate Ma’a Tonga and New Zealand next June could signal the regular face-offs between Island nations and tier one rugby league teams.

One Australian sports journalist has declared that after Saturday night, Tonga deserve better than second-tier status.

However, that could be about to change.

There has been speculation about a tri-series involving Australia, New Zealand and Tonga.

There is even talk of a British Lions tour next year that could afford even more options for regional teams.

Mate Ma’a Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said he would support anything that gave the Tonga side a chance to play against tier one nations.

Saturday night’s game against Australia ended with a 34-16 victory for the Kangaroos, but the long anticipated match has boosted support for Tonga and the other Pacific rugby league nations -Samoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea – being given a regular spot on the world stage.

Ahead of last Friday’s meeting of the Asia Pacific Rugby League Federation in Auckland, there was speculation about a Pacific nations tournament.

This would mean Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and New Zealand – a tier one league nation – facing each other in a round-robin format, giving each nation at least three games.

Rugby League International Federation chief executive Nigel Wood said international opportunities had to be developed.

”There are some really exciting developments in International Rugby League,” Wood said.

“Virtually everyone can see the value of having a strong calendar that respects the importance of major domestic competitions, while also allowing nations and the international game  the room to build.

“We have the opportunity to grow the international game, we have the nations who want to be a part of the international game.

“We need to provide the structure and the focus to make that happen, and frankly there has never been a better time to make that commitment.”

Kangaroos’ coach Mal Meninga, who was a key player in making Saturday night’s game happen, believes the key is making the financial outcome equal for all those involved.

The Kangaroos cut their pay to match that of the Tongan players and later said they would have played for free.

“I would say they should be paid a dollar if the game is making a dollar out of these games but I just think it should be fair and equitable among all the nations,” Meninga said.

“Whether they are getting $3000 or $5000 or $10,000 I just think it should be equal for all countries.”

The main points

  • A re-match between Mate Ma’a Tonga and New Zealand next June could signal the regular face-offs between Island nations and tier one rugby league teams.
  • One Australian sports journalist has declared that after Saturday night, Tonga deserve better than second-tier status.
  • However, that could be about to change.

For more information

Cordner says Kangaroos would have played for free

More players expected to follow the lead into Tongan rugby league team

Asia Pacific Rugby League Confederation Board meets in Auckland, New Zealand

Tonga set for more league tests in 2019 

Tonga Test gives a glimpse of huge potential for the global game

Caught on camera: man wanted for violently attacking Auckland dairy worker

By
Kalino Latu
-


Glen Innes Police were searching for an unknown man caught on surveillance camera violently attacking a dairy worker at a Panmure superette in Auckland.

Police said they have been investigating an aggravated robbery at the superette where a store worker was physically assaulted and offenders fled with cigarettes.

“We are now asking for your help to identify these males captured in CCTV footage.

“Anyone who recognises either of these males is urged to contact Glen Innes CIB on 09 524 1921 or email jaw861@police.govt.nz.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or send us a private Facebook message.”

Man, 28, arrested in homicide investigation into Sosiua Helotu Ula death

By
Kalino Latu
-

A 28-year-old male sought in relation to the death of a Tongan man in Wellington early this month was located and arrested for drug offences connected to the incident.

He is the third person to face charges in connection with the circumstances surrounding Siosiua Helotu Ula’s death.

He will appear in the Manukau District Court today charged with possession of methamphetamine for supply and conspiracy to supply methamphetamine.

Police investigating the homicide of 19-year-old Ula have executed search warrants in South Auckland this morning with the assistance of Counties Manukau Police, said Detective Senior Sergeant Christiaan Barnard, Kapiti Mana Police.

The Kapiti-Mana CIB investigation is continuing with a range of inquiries and I would personally like to thank the huge assistance provided by members of the public that has enabled the steady progress in this investigation.

If you can help with any more information, please call Wellington Police Crime Squad on 04 381 2000.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NRL investigating official’s alleged racist comment against Tongan fans

By
Kalino Latu
-

The NRL’s investigators claim that a staffer at the test match between Tonga and Australia on Saturday night was overheard using racial slurs against Tongan fans.

The alleged remarks were overheard by Tongan DJ Alf ‘Al’Goodie’ Aholelei at Mt Smart Stadium where he was providing Tongan music for the Mate Ma’a Tonga fans.

‘Aholelei claimed a staffer shouted “Dance Monkey Dance” while the Tongan performers performed at the halftime show.

Aholelei called the incident “shocking” and “completely uncalled for, adding: “I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life,” Newshub has reported.

The DJ said the man tried to apologise at the time.

On Monday he wrote about his experience on Facebook. It’s since been shared more than 2000 times and has been recognised by the NRL’s integrity unit.

“I had a good conversation with them today and they’re doing everything they can to find out what happened, why it happened and to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

In a statement an NRL spokesperson told Newshub it “takes the allegation very seriously and is investigating the circumstances.”

Ikale Tahi name four uncapped players for Northern tour

By
Kalino Latu
-

The ‘Ikale Tahi selectors have included four new players in a 30-man squad for their Tests against  the French Barbarians, Georgia and Wales in a tour of the Northern Hemisphere next month.

Siale Piutau will captain the side with four uncapped players selected for the campaign: props Ma’afu Fia and Tolu Fahamokioa; lock Sam Ulufonua and backs Latu Vaeno and Hawaii Ahokovi.

“They come into the team in place of veterans Siua Halanukonuka, Nasi Manu, Cooper Vuna, Nafi Tu’itavake and Telusa Veainu who are all unavailable due to injury,” a statement said.

“This test window is a key preparation step towards the World Cup in 2019 as we finalise team and staff selections for the tournament.

“The tour schedule begins next week with a Preparation Camp held in Madrid, Spain from October 28th-November 4th, 2018. With the November Test Match schedule as follows:

  • November 10th: vs French Barbarians, Bordeaux, France
  • November 17th:   vs Wales, Cardiff, Wales.
  • November 24th:   vs Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia.

The team

First Name Last Name Village CLUB NAME
Latu Talakai Leimatu’a (Vv) WAIKATO
Siegfried Fisiihoi Falaleu & ‘Utui (Vv) STADE FRANCAIS
Paea Faanunu Leimatu’a (Vv) CASTRES
Sefo Sakalia Ma’ufanga (Tt), Nomuka (Hp) & Uvea MARIST
Paula Ngauamo Vaini, Kolomotu’a, Fasi & Kolofo’ou (Tt) AGEN
Ma’afu Fia Ha’avakatolo, Holonga (tt) & Olo’ua (Vv) OSPREYS
Tolu Fahamokioa Haveluloto (Tt) TAWA RFC
Ben Tameifuna Pea (Tt) RACING 92
Sitiveni Mafi ‘Ahau (Tt) & Kolovai (Tt) CASTRES
Leva Fifita Neiafu (Vv) GRENOBLE
Sam Ulufonua Nukunuku, Ma’ufanga (Tt), Lofanga (Hp) & Taoa (Vv) HAWKES BAY
Michael Faleafa Kolomotu’a & Kolovai (Tt) PERPIGNAN
Sione Kalamafoni Matahau, Te’ekiu (Tt) & ‘Otea (Vv) LEICESTER TIGERS
Valentino Mapapalangi Holonga & Ha’alalo (Tt) LEICESTER TIGERS
Maama Vaipulu Folaha (Tt) CASTRES
Dan Faleafa Kolomotu’a & Kolovai (Tt) COVENTRY
Sione Vailanu Kolovai (Tt) SARACENS
Fotu Lokotui Longoteme (Tt) COUNTIES MANUKAU
Sonatane Takulua Lapaha, Ma’ufanga (Tt) & Niuatoputapu NEWCASTLE FALCONS
Leon Fukofuka Ha’avakatolo, Fo’ui & Ha’alalo (Tt) AUCKLAND
Kurt Morath Leimatu’a (Vv) DONCASTER
Latiume Fosita Haveluloto (Tt) & Felemea (Hp) COUNTIES MANUKAU
Siale Piutau Kolofo’ou & Folaha (Tt) BRISTOL BEARS
Daniel Kilioni Uiha (Hp), Tafahi and Haveluloto (Tt) GRENOBLE
Alaska Taufa Ha’ateiho (Tt) GRENOBLE
Viliami Lolohea Navutoka (Tt) & Niuatoputapu TASMAN
Hawaii Ahokovi Pangaimotu (Vv) PAKURANGA
David Halaifonua Fatumu & Tukulalo, Houma (Vv) COVENTRY
‘Atieli Pakalani Ha’ateiho (Tt) & Feletoa (Vv) NSW COUNTRY
Latu Vaeno Vaololoa (Tt) TARANAKI

The Staff

ROLE First Name (Team list) Last Name (Team list)
Head Coach Toutai Kefu
Assistant Coach Grant Doorey
Assistant Coach Dan Cron
Assistant Coach Pita Alatini
Athletic Performance Coach Semisi Fonua
Team Doctor Peni Poloniati
Physiotherapist Leevan Santos
Physiotherapist Saia Vakasiuola
Analyst Joh Fifita
Team Manager Lano Fonua
Asst. Team Manager Tony Alatini
Team Chaplain Tevita Koloi
WR Consultant Matt Bair

 

Tabloid froth over earthquake “shock” shows no sign of halting royal visit to Friendly Islands

By
Kalino Latu
-

British tabloids have been lashing themselves into a frenzy at the news that an earthquake has been recorded on of Tonga’s outer islands.

The tabloids – and some online news services – recorded breathlessly that a 4.9 magnitude quake occurred on the northern island of Niuatoputapu.

One British paper admitted: “There are no reports of damage to the area or injuries,” but then added hopefully “so far.”

Another said, breathlessly: “It is bad news for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who announced they were expecting their first child this week.”

They have even claimed that the British royal family was “shocked” by the earthquake.

Some news outlets put together accounts of earthquakes on other Pacific islands as a sign of how dangerous the region is, despite the fact that the incidents were often thousands of kilometres apart.

Despite the best efforts of the tabloids to scare them off, Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle show no sign of abandoning their visit to the Friendly Islands.

A team from the British High Commission in Suva is already in Tonga to prepare for the visit.

As Kaniva news reported, next Thursday the royal couple will fly into Fua’amotu Airport where they will be met by Princess Angelika.

They will then attend a private audience with King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipauʻu, followed by an official reception and dinner at Consular House.

Next Friday the Duke and Duchess will attend an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts and products at the Faonelua Centre.

They will then dedicate two forest reserves at Tupou College.

While in Tonga they will also meet Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva.

Victory over the Kangaroos by Mate Ma’a Tonga tomorrow night would certainly provide the Prime Minister with a topic of conversation with the royal couple.

While Prince Harry played union rather than league,  a win over Australia might give Hon. Pohiva the chance ask the Duke if he could use his influence to line up a re-match with England.

The main points

  • British tabloids have been lashing themselves into a frenzy at the news that an earthquake has been recorded near one of Tonga’s outer islands.
  • Despite the best efforts of the tabloids to scare them off, Prince Harry and Meghan Merkle show no sign of abandoning their visit to the Friendly Islands.

For more information

Princess Angelika to welcome Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on arrival in Tonga

https://kanivatonga.co.nz/2018/10/princess-angelika-to-welcome-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-on-arrival-in-tonga/

Minister denies allegation and threatens to sue Kakalu; editor says he would apologise  

By
Kalino Latu
-

Finance Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa has denied allegation by Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper last week that he stole two government vehicles and a refrigerator.

Hon Tu’i’onetoa has threatened to sue the newspaper and demanded a front-page retraction of his allegations.

He said the news was made up by the paper’s reporter who did not contact him for a comment.

The paper’s front page last week said: “Ave ta’ema’u ha ngofua ‘e Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa me’alele ‘e 2 mo e ‘aisi e potungaue Tukuhau.”

This translates into English as: “Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa takes without permission two vehicles and a refrigerator from the Ministry of Revenue and Customs.”

The Minister said he, his family, relatives, close friends and Tongatapu 10 constituents were deeply disappointed after the paper alleged “he was stealing.”

The paper’s editor ‘Ulu’alo Po’uhila told Kaniva last week he was aware there had been a call for a correction.

Po’uhila said if the correction and denial by Hon Tu’i’onetoa were correct he would issue a retraction and apologise.

Kakalu’s report

He said the story was based on an Auditor General’s report and that the story had been reported by his correspondent in Tonga.

Po’uhila said he had contacted the correspondent, but had yet to receive any response.

He said on Friday that he would update us if he got a response from his reporter.

We have not received any contact from him.

He said it could be that the Auditor’s report was meant for a former Minister of Revenue and Customs, or his reporter may have confused him with Hon Tu’i’onetoa.

Po’uhila said he was aware that the Auditor’s report did not name the Minister personally, but as the Minister of Revenue and Customs and gave the year during which the Minister was serving the post.

Last year Kaniva reported that Po’uhila and Kakalu issued a retraction and apologised after alleging that Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva was suffering from prostate cancer.

The retraction and apologies came after Hon. Pohiva’s family and Tonga’s Minister of Health issued a statement saying a tissue sample removed from Hon Pōhiva’s prostate was benign and showed no sign of cancer

Ministerial shifts

Hon Tu’i’onetoa was Minister of Revenue and Customs before he was appointed as Minister of Finance.

Tu’i’onetoa replaced former Minister of Revenue and Customs Tevita Lavemaau.

Hon Lavemaau was moved from the Ministry of Revenue and Customs and became Minister of Finance.

He was dismissed from his ministerial post in September 2017.

When the new ‘Akilisi Pohiva government came into power last year, Hon Tu’i’onetoa was appointed as Minister of Finance.

We were unable to obtain a copy of the Auditor’s report referred to by Po’uhila  but we have learned the Auditor General alleged that a Minister of Customs and Revenue took with him two government vehicles and a refrigerator from the Ministry.

It appeared that the Minster took the items and used them at the Ministry of Finance and the Auditor wanted them returned to the Ministry of Customs and Revenue.

Retraction

Kaniva understands Hon Tu’i’onetoa’s niece, lawyer Seinimili Fonua, denied the allegations on Facebook last week.

She begged the paper to read the report carefully, as the Auditor was reporting on another former Minister, not Hon Tu’i’onetoa.

Kakalu’s allegations were quickly shared by some anti-Pohiva government campaigners on Facebook who attacked Hon Tu’i’onetoa and alleged he stole the government’s goods.

“I am writing to express my disappointment regarding the above-mentioned title which said that I took without permission two vehicles and a refrigerator from Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs,” Hon Tu’i’onetoa told Po’uhila in Tongan in an email seen by Kaniva news.

“This has appeared on Kakalu ‘O Tonga Volume 9 Number 42 Thursday 18 October 2018. I, my family and children along with my close relatives, friends and those from Tongatapu 10, who elected me to represent them in Parliament, were deeply disappointed after I was accused of stealing those goods.

“Your reporter Tonga Fonua was wrong.

“You never gave me a chance to respond.

“I have read the Auditor General’s report and I was a former Auditor General and there was nothing in it that said I committed any wrongdoing.

“Your newspaper has just made it up.”

Hon Tu’i’onetoa said his reliability as Minister of Finance and ex-Auditor General, a person who should be honest in financial matters, has been affected seriously because of what he called “your false news.”

He asked Kakalu’s editor to print a retraction of the story on the front page of the edition.

“If not I will take you to court to clear my reputation,” Hon Tu’i’onetoa said.

The main points

  • Finance Minister Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa has denied allegation by Kakalu ‘O Tonga newspaper last week that he stole two government vehicles and a refrigerator.
  • Tu’i’onetoa has threatened to sue the newspaper and demanded a front-page retraction of his allegations.
  • He said the news was made up by the paper’s reporter who did not contact him for a comment.

You May Also Like To Read This:

Prime Minister cleared of prostate cancer, gov’t denies newspaper report

We gave everything, Manu tells fans, as media praise Tonga for keeping Aussies ‘scrambling’

By
Philip Cass
-

“The boys gave everything,” Tongan captain Sika Manu  told the thousands of supporters at the Mt Smart stadium tonight.

After the match Manu said it had been “a tough game.”

But even after losing 34-16 to Australia , Mate Ma’a Tonga united Tongans everywhere, with fans from Tonga, Australia and the United States flying in to watch.

As Kaniva news reported earlier today, Princess Angelika said Mate Ma’a Tonga  reinforced pride in the kingdom’s virtues.

From the opening prayer by Rev ‘Ifalame Teisi through the mass singing by Tongan fans throughout the game, the players who gave up the chance to play for Australia or New Zealand brought out the best in their supporters.

The link between fans and players was illustrated when Manu thanked the crowd for their support in Tongan.

Australia scored the first try in the early stages of the game

Tonga then won a penalty, but Australia came back strongly and Trbojevic scored another try.

Tonga’s first try came from Tevita Pangai Jnr, with Taukeiaho converting, leaving the score 12-6 in Australia’s favour.

Tongan fans exploded in joy at the Tongan try, with the Mt Smart stadium covered in a sea of red and white flags.

Tonga won more penalties, but Australia kept the pressure up.

Holmes got the ball over the line for Australia and then successfully converted his own try to make the score 18-6. He was followed by Trbojevic, who made his second try.

Hingano, who had been injured early in the game but kept playing, finally left the field. Shortly afterwards Tupou scored. Taukeiaho failed to convert and by half time the score was 24-10 with Australia in the lead.

In the second half Solomone Kata scored for Tonga, but even with the successful conversion, Tonga could not hold Australia off and when the final whistle blew, Australia had expanded its lead to 34-16.

Media praise

After tonight’s game The Guardian described Tonga as “terrific in their energy and work rate,” but said they were “undone by some early ball carrying issues, some poor final play kick options and one or two forced offloads.”

However,  the newspaper said that for large periods of tonight’s match Mate Ma’a had the Kangaroos “absolutely scrambling.”

The New Zealand Herald said that despite losing, Tonga had made the case for playing more international matches.

For Australia, tries were scored by Evans, Trbojevic (2), Holmes (2) and Tedesco, with five field goals from  Holmes

For Mate Ma’a Tonga, tries were scored by Pangai Jnr, Tupou and Kata, with field goals from Taukeiaho and Lolohea.

The main points

  • “The boys gave everything,” Tongan captain Sika Manu told the thousands of supporters at the Mt Smart stadium tonight.
  • After the match Manu said it had been “a tough game.”
  • But even after losing 34-16 to Australia , Mate Ma’a Tonga united Tongans everywhere, with fans from Tonga, Australia and the United States flying in to watch.

For more information 

Kangaroos part Tongan red sea with 34-16 victory at sold-out Mt Smart Stadium

Australia 34-16 Tonga in debut Test between the two

VIDEO: ‘MMT Free Lawn Service’ video clips draw attention ahead of the big match

By
Philip Cass
-


Click the video above

Tongan fans have gone to all sorts of lengths to show their support for their team ahead of tonight’s big match.

With kickoff only a few hours away, there are cars and bicycles on the streets flying Tongan flags.

Manase Soakai has shown his support for Mate Ma’a Tonga by posting a series of video clips online.

Each of the three clips is slightly different, but each one shows him pushing a lawnmower decked out with two small and one large Tongan flag.

The clip on Facebook is tagged “MMT Free Lawn Service.”

Elsewhere in Auckland, fans in Glen Innes have decorated their house, hung out the Tongan flags and put up a huge sign letting everybody know which side they support.

In Otara, one fan has covered her mobility scooter in flags.

It’s not just Tongans who are supporting the Mate Ma’a. Tagata Pasifika has reported that a number of Islanders have decided they are Tongans too, at least for tonight’s match.

You can see the lawn mowing clips here:

https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmanase.soakai.31%2Fvideos%2F544948669266839%2F&show_text=0&width=560”

https://www.facebook.com/manase.soakai.31/videos/544948669266839/?t=0

https://www.facebook.com/manase.soakai.31/videos/pcb.544949532600086/544949202600119/?type=3&theater

King loves Mate Ma‘a Tonga says Princess as she praises team for inspiring kingdom

By
Philip Cass
-

Mate Ma’a Tonga had unified the kingdom’s people by reinforcing their pride in the country’s values.

That was the message from Princess Angelika yesterday.

Speaking to the official NRL site, she said: “This is what Mate Ma’a Tonga stand for.”

She said the value in tonight’s game lay not just on the field, but in the opportunities it opened up.

Tongans had been inspired to aspire towards greater things.

The Princess said that outside the arena, sport was a force for peace and unity.

The royal family felt excited and patriotic when news the game go ahead was announced.

She said the king loved Mate Ma’a Tonga.

When the team visited Atalanga he had been very keen to meet them and join the photo session.

Meanwhile, a message allegedly written by Princess Angelika has been circulating online since this morning. Kaniva news will continue trying to confirm the origin of the document.

The message reads:

“Thank you Dad for your message to MMT & for sharing today with our ‘Atalanga family. I’ll never forget how excited you were to wait in anticipation with us outside in the freezing cold for their arrival. They sat there, all eyes on you and you talked to them like a father to his sons.

Kuo nau koloa’ia mo teunga’ia. Fielau ai pe ‘enau ‘alu’alu ‘ea!

“…We must fight with every advantage that we have. We must oppose the long with the short. We must wrestle the advantage from our opponents…

I believe every one of us has his qualities of leadership. You have all shown that each and every one of you have the above qualities of Tupou Ist through the selection process to be here today. Selection is an important thing and we must continue to inspire our country, our friends, our relatives, our fellow sportsman.

My message to you is that the country stands with you. We all stand together, very proudly. Thank you and God Speed.”

The main points

  • Mate Ma’a Tonga had unified the kingdom’s people by reinforcing their pride in the country’s values Princess Angelika said yesterday.
  • Speaking to the official NRL site, she said: “This is what Mate Ma’a Tonga stand for.”

For more information

Princess of Tonga’s message for the team

1...557558559...955Page 558 of 955