Mālō e lelei 

This event was specifically aimed at our open women's and men's teams who played against Asia United, a squad composed of players from Asia. We were fortunate to have both teams emerge victorious, setting a high standard for our younger squads to emulate.

We were truly honoured to have the chance to host the Kava Tau Ceremony for the national team before they faced Australia at Suncorp Stadium. During this significant event, each player received a warrior name, symbolising their readiness for battle, which is why it is known as the Kava Tau Ceremony, translating to the Kava Ceremony of War.

This occasion allowed us to collaborate with local elders and Pasifika Radio and TV, who streamed the ceremony that evening and helped us with the traditional protocols surrounding the ceremony and kava.

We were privileged to receive an invitation from QLD Maoris to participate in their inaugural Te Whenua Ariki tournament, a three-day event held at Bill Norris Oval. This occasion provided all our representative age groups the opportunity to compete against the top Maori teams in QLD. We proudly emerged victorious in the U14 boys, U16 girls, U16 boys, and U18 girls categories.

Fiefia Night provided our players with a special opportunity to demonstrate their performances and the songs they had learned throughout the season for their parents. For many of these children, it was their first experience performing a Tongan dance, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere for numerous families.

Hokafonu, a Tongan-owned catering company, generously provided a buffet dinner, and we also engaged DJ Illchayz, who is also Tongan. The evening was filled with prayer, laughter, dance, singing, food, and cultural celebration.

If our schedule permits, we hope to incorporate this wonderful event again this year.

The Queensland Tonga Day, hosted collaboratively by QTRL, Pasifika Radio, and Delle Entertainment, took place at Bill Norris Oval in Brisbane on November 2, 2024, commemorating the 149th anniversary of Tonga's first constitution.

Preparations for this significant event began in April when our team had the honor of formally inviting Princess Angelika Latufuipeka to attend, a request she graciously accepted. Her presence necessitated that we prepare our players for royal protocol, as they played a pivotal role throughout the day. Our players had the unique opportunity to meet the Princess, and our winning teams were presented with prizes by her.

The event provided a platform for our QTRL players to compete against teams from QLD Fiji, GC Samoa, NSW Tonga, Sunshine Coast Barbarians, and Kau To’a NZ. In addition, our players showcased their talents on stage alongside local dance groups and performers, including Havea676 and Folau.

The event received support from local Members of Parliament, and Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Adrian Schrinner, demonstrated his backing by approving the illumination of the Brisbane Story Bridge, and King George Square in red and white to honour Tonga Day. The event was also partially sponsored by Logan City Council.

Tonga Day featured over 70 food, clothing, and cultural stalls curated by Pacific-owned businesses across Queensland, as well as Tongan community groups that came together to offer traditional food and handmade crafts. In the Pacific Islander community, food symbolizes love, creating an extraordinary atmosphere at the stalls.

The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, providing a fitting end to a successful day.

We are confident that this event will continue to grow, fostering unity within the Pacific Island community and welcoming non-Pacific Islanders as well.