Tonga’s under 16 rugby league team qualified for a two-week tour of Australia recently.
Tavake Fangupo, National Rugby League (NRL) game development manager for Tonga, said, “There is so much raw talent in the Pacific islands, but getting the opportunity to go overseas is so hard for these kids, so this may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of them.”
Rugby
Young Tongan rugby league players seek greater opportunities on Australian tour© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Of the ten Tongan high schools playing in league U14s, U16s and U18s competitions for boys and girls, this is the first time a team has had this opportunity.
They played Manly U16s development squad at Narrabeen on Wednesday, 28 June and also played against West Tigers at St. Gregory's College in Campbelltown, NSW on 4 July.
Some of the Tongan players are attracting the interest of talent scouts to further showcase their abilities to join rugby league teams and to further their educations to prepare for the future.
Rugby league
Players practice and qualify for Australian tour© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Thus far, two of the young men have received scholarships to study and play for two years at North Queensland Cowboys, and two other young men for Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Three more young men are confirming their contracts with one other club.”
Fourteen of the 20 players selected from the Rugby League of Tongatapu Secondary School competition are Latter-day Saint youth.
Team manager and Principal of Liahona Middle School, Fane Fotu Fituafe, has known many of these young Latter-day Saints over the years.
She says of them, “One of the greatest joys I had is knowing that these faithful young men are worthy Aaronic Priesthood holders who can administer the ordinance of the sacrament, bear their testimonies of missionary work and their responsibility to serve the Lord.”
She added, “It is a blessing to them and to me as well. We value their talent and do all we can to give them the best opportunity. At the same time, I remind them that when it is time to serve the Lord, they need to have the courage to put all aside and serve Him. Things will fall into their proper places when you serve the Lord first.”
Encouraging messages in a guidebook for youth from The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, affirms, “We love you and we have confidence in you. You are truly among Heavenly Father’s choice spirits, sent to earth at this time to do important things. There may be times when you don’t feel strong or capable. That’s normal. Especially in those moments, turn to the Saviour. He is the ‘strength of youth’.”
The counsel continues, “You belong. . . and have power from Him to fulfil His purposes for you…He knows you can make a difference in the world, and that requires, in many cases, being different from the world. Seek your Heavenly Father’s guidance as you make choices. He will bless you with inspiration through the Holy Ghost.”
Rugby league
Tongan rugby league players attend MacArthur Chapel in New South Wales© 2023 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Rugby league hopeful, Tevita Junior Asi, says, “Coming to Australia opened my eyes to greater opportunities. At the same time, it strengthened my testimony. I know that Heavenly Father lives and this is His Church. President Nelson is a Living Prophet.”
Another team member, Tevita Malungahu, said, “I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ." I am thankful for the blessing he blessed me with, and grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are led by a living Prophet; we will be better people when we listen to and obey the servants/leaders of His Church.”
