Tonga’s rugby league dream gets a major boost with new facilities on the way, PM says

Tonga has already shown it can compete with the best in rugby league. Now, the kingdom believes the next generation can go even further.

Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua says the country is "daring to dream" after securing a major share of the new Pacific Rugby League Partnership, an A$250 million (just over NZ$303 million) agreement between Australia and Tonga, Sāmoa, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

The agreement was signed in Brisbane last Wednesday by the leaders of Tonga, Sāmoa, and Papua New Guinea with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marking a major investment in Pacific rugby league development.

The 10-year partnership will support grassroots competitions, school rugby league programmes, youth initiatives and pathways for future Pacific stars.

For Tonga, one of the biggest priorities is upgrading the 10,000-seat Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa and building a high-performance centre ahead of the country’s hosting of the 2031 Pacific Games.

Fakafanua, who travelled to Sydney to watch Tongan and Roosters' winger Daniel Tupou play his 300th game in the National Rugby League (NRL) against the Eels at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, said the investment could transform what is possible for Tongan athletes. The Roosters won 28-12.

From left: Pacific leaders James Marape, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and Lord Fakafanua join Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, centre, in Brisbane to launch the Pacific Rugby League Partnership. Photo/Australia govt

"A lot of people are seeing the potential of rugby league and the support that this partnership will bring to grassroots development," he told the AAP.

"There will definitely be pathways, both for junior players, non-professional players, and of course, the elite pathways."

Tonga is also looking to expand opportunities beyond the main island, with plans to support more fields, gyms and facilities in Ha'apai, Vava'u and 'Eua.

Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua attended Daniel Tupou’s 300th NRL game milestone, celebrating the achievements of a new generation of Tongan rugby league stars. Photo/Prime Minister's Office, Tonga

"The high-performance centre is really quite critical, and part of the government's overall plan is to host the Pacific Games in 2031," Fakafanua said.

"It needs to be a multi-purpose facility that can cater for all sports, really bring some technology and service around our elite players."

He said Tonga had already achieved success without the support systems available to many major rugby league nations.

"That doesn't exist right now, but we're doing so well without that. Imagine where we'll be with the facilities and support that the players need."

Tonga’s rise in international rugby league has been driven by a golden generation of players including Jason Taumalolo, Addin Fonua-Blake, Tupou, Stefano Utoikamanu, Isaiya Katoa and Felise Kaufusi.

Taumalolo and Tupou recently became the first Tongan players to reach 300 NRL games, joining a small group of players to reach the milestone.

Fakafanua says those achievements show what is possible for young Tongan players.

"I'm so happy that we have talented boys and people like Jason Taumalolo and Daniel Tupou reach a milestone in their career," he said.

"They're joining a very small group of players. Not many players make it to 100 or 200, and definitely less make it to 300 matches."

The rise of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, who will enter the NRL in 2028, has also created further hope for Pacific players looking for a pathway closer to home.

"Those are the sort of doors that we're keen to enable and support. The more pathways, the better," Fakafanua said.

He says Tonga's goal is clear: build the facilities, strengthen the pathways and give the next generation the support that the current stars never had.