Rugby league unites for Tonga

THE rugby league community is coming together to support those affected by the Tongan volcano eruption and tsunami.

With about 13 per cent of NRL players identifying as being of Tongan descent, a number of clubs are planning to host fundraisers and initiatives to support those affected by the eruption on Saturday.

A pre-season trial match between the Melbourne Storm and New Zealand Warriors will double as a fundraiser for affected communities, while the NRL and Rugby League Players Association plan to do something soon.

Broncos star and proud Tongan Kotoni Staggs will auction his boots and jersey from round 1.

“Fingers crossed they are OK,” he said of the Tongan people. “The boots and jersey I wear for round 1 will be auctioned off to raise money for the Tongan community.

“If other people want to donate stuff, we will find a way to do something with it. When everything has calmed down, it would be good for us Tongan boys to go over there and help them build their houses.”

Fellow Bronco Delouise Hoeter had his family home destroyed by Saturday’s events and is waiting for communications to be restored so he can speak with his family.

“My mum’s family home was destroyed by the tsunami,” Hoeter said. “It’s pretty much a waiting game with all communications down. We want to send our love but they can’t receive it. We will do whatever we can.”

The Storm and Warriors on Tuesday announced the “Unite for Tonga” clash, which will be held on February 19 at Melbourne’s Casey Fields and include various initiatives for fans to donate to the cause.

At least eight players of Tongan descent feature in both the Melbourne and New Zealand NRL squads, including Felise Kaufusi, George Jennings, Addin Fonua-Blake, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Eliesa Katoa, Taniela Otukolo and Viliami Vailea.

There’s a host of Tongan superstars in the NRL.