Tonga Put Hand Up to Fill Void

The tour will see Tonga opening with a match against the ever strong Auckland Maori side who are the reigning National Tournament Champions from 2001. What follows is a game against the combined Waikato, Coastline, Bay of Plenty side known as WAICOA BAY at Tokoroa Stadium. WAICOA BAY will be coached by Rugby League Foundation member Len Reid and Tawera Nikau.

New Zealand Maori host the Tongan Nationals at Rotorua Stadium as part of Rotorua’s Festival of League. Toursim Rotorua and the Stadium have supported this initiative as this venue was to host the proposed PNG tour.

“It is now down to the people in the local area to support this initiative so that we can spoil them with more”, says Selwyn Pearson.

“Following the professional presentation received from the team in Rotorua to secure the PNG Test Match, the NZRL has worked tirelessly to make something happen for the people they represent”.

Carlaw Park will host its final game of Rugby League in its present state with Tonga closing its tour against a New Zealand Selection XIII coached by NZ Warriors Assistant Coach Tony Kemp. With the wealth of experience that Tony brings in forming this team, the Tongan’s can expect to have an extremely tough encounter before heading home.