Pacific Rugby
Tonga will continue to push the compelling case for a home Test match to make the most of the extraordinary impact the team has had on rugby league in the Pacific nation.
The genius of Samoa second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has launched his side into rugby league's Pacific Cup final in a controversial 34-6 win over Tonga after lightning stopped play for 95 minutes.
Fiji rallied from 15-5 down with 17 unanswered points in the second half to beat Samoa 29-15 in the Pacific Nations Cup and send Tonga to the 2027 World Cup.
Melbourne prop Stefano Utoikamanu is set to debut for Tonga after previously representing Samoa, in another tribute to the eclectic heritages of NRL players.
Kurtley Beale says the performance of the inaugural First Nations and Pasifika team against the mighty British and Irish Lions shows the concept deserves a regular stage.
Coach Toutai Kefu says his First Nations and Pasifika team need to be switched on against the British and Irish Lions or risk facing the same ugly fate as the AUNZ Invitational team.
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will have another chance to push his case for Wallabies selection, with the lock included in the First Nations and Pasifika squad to face the touring Lions in Melbourne.
The rugby world is saluting the strides of Moana Pasifika after the competition's relative newcomers enjoyed their best-ever Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Whether they play Super Rugby Pacific finals or not, inaugural Moana Pasifika captain Sekope Kepu has declared the season a triumph for the Ardie Savea-led side.
Wayne Bennett has suggested officials consider treating Tonga and Samoa as tier-one rugby league nations if they want to stop players jumping between teams.
The British and Irish Lions will play a combined Indigenous-Pasifika squad in Melbourne, with the historic clash's confirmation the final touring puzzle piece 100 days out from kick-off.
A fresh Auckland-based expansion bid has told the NRL they would take games to Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands each year, if admitted to the competition.
Nations were represented, flags were raised, cultural chants bellowed and ceremonial dances – the modern-day, pre-game ritual from ancestral traditions - performed full of pride.
