“It’s really been amazing, you know, because 40 years is a very long time” – Former Tonga Rugby League President Peter Donnelly.
In today’s world of Rugby League, the island nation of Tonga has cemented itself as one of the world’s top league countries.
With marquee players headlining various clubs across the NRL and Super League, the nation is also now preparing for this year’s World Cup with a full strength side.
But today’s success was not built overnight, as it was based purely on the sacrifices, hard work and community love of a core of administrators, supporters and players. It was a seed that had been planted 40 years ago that is now reaping its fruits.
The 40 year milestone was celebrated recently by Mate Maa Tonga in a weekend-long programme that included celebratory matches and an anniversary dinner. It all kicked off with a friendly match between Kiwis Old Boys and Tonga Old Boys.
Among those attending the festivities was the original President of Tonga Rugby League Peter Donnelly who was an important factor in helping establish the sport in Tonga.
“It’s really been amazing, you know, because 40 years is a very long time. And with the committee we started with 42 years ago, and to catch up today and to see the amazing transformation of rugby league and rugby league in Tonga, it’s been a real pleasure,” Peter says.
“It was all about hard work, lots of raffle tickets, finding sponsors. Things did not just suddenly work themselves out, a lot of people were doing the work.”
Former player Willie Wolfgram was also part of the organising committee of the celebrations. Bringing everyone together and organising the event was hard work, but it was made worthwhile seeing everyone share stories and memories.
“It was hard work, but we had a vision of trying to celebrate our 40th anniversary and trying to bring a lot of the old boys together,” he says.
“Pretty happy with the turnout, with the boys that have come. It’s awesome to see some familiar faces, a lot of teammates and a lot of the young boys that came after me.”
Captain and winger of Tonga in 2013 Brent Kite also shared some memories he had when donning the red jersey in the past.
He also reflected on the humble beginnings of the side, and what it meant to him playing for his culture and country.
“Being a young fella growing up in Australia, but always knowing of my Tongan heritage and us, to be proud of that, from my mothers side, and just seeing what that meant to her, was really the highlight of my, not just my footy career, but and my life,” he says.
“And it’s probably nicer when you get older and look back and see what a milestone that was in my own life.”
Being able to be together and celebrate the milestone was important but, for many, the event was a chance to help each other as they find themselves in life after rugby league.
Former Warriors/Kiwis centre and now mental health advocate Clinton Toopi shared what it was like playing with some of his favourite Tongan mates, and also why such events are important mentally.
“You go from making really decent money to, you know, flying around the world, to now you’re at home living in the real world, and if you don’t keep those connections you can feel disconnected from your culture and you know that has been a journey for myself,” Toopi says.
“You know, events like this are not just to celebrate 40 years but the connections we have made for 40 plus.”
Kite added, “You know one thing is, post rugby league, I know a lot of guys struggled to transition, and I was probably similar. It will be nice to be part of that and see some guys.
“I know I took about 10 years to get back around it, just go off and do your own thing. It’s like school reunions remembering a time of your life that was special.”
As Tonga set out to prepare for the World Cup this year, there are high hopes and expectations for the side to be able to win it all.
Looking towards the future, Wolfgramm says that he is confident the sport will grow more for the next 40 or more years ahead.
“I’m pretty sure that the future is bright, in terms of our pathways and the next generation coming through,” he says.
“We’ve got a lot of talent coming through and, mate, I think Tonga rugby league is going to be there for a while.”
