Taumalolo, Fifita glad to be in Tongan ‘Woolfpack’
FOR the second time in their careers Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo believe they have taken a stand in the best interests of Tongan league.
They led the revival of the international game when they pledged their allegiances to Tonga ahead of the 2017 world cup and two years on their public stance against their incumbent Tongan board is just as important, according to the heavyweight duo.
Taumalolo said the uncertainty had been “sad” and had it remained unresolved he would’ve walked away from the international game.
“It’s been a rollercoaster trying to get a team ready,” Taumalolo said.
“We are here. Our focus is on playing football.
“It’s been sad. We built ourselves a good fan base and a lot more players are opting to play for Tonga now.
“The amount of players that sacrificed a lot to be in this team. I was gutted when all this stuff was happening.
“It’s more upsetting – it’s our own people trying to do it to the players. I’m not a fan of it. The way everything has been handled is disappointing. Our main focus is playing for the people of Tonga.
“I had no doubt in my mind I would’ve retired (from international football) if this didn’t get solved.”
The Tongans have ditched the Mate Ma’a moniker in favour of Kuo-toa and players had tape covering part of the back of their shirts as the team underwent its first training session yesterday ahead of this week’s world nines.
They have been dubbed the “Woolfpack” by the Tongan board after coach Kristian Woolf. A catchcry that has embraced.
“I really love it,” Fifita said. “I can't wait to get our old name back. And that's just being brutally honest. It’s stupid, what's going on at the moment. But look, Woolfpack, any kind of pack, as long as I’m standing next to these boys, I’m happy.
“You can call us anything in the world, but it’s not going to affect us or our team.” Fifita