Rugby league clash

Ko E Fetu’u’esiafi, the name of the chant, was given to the Tongan women's rugby league team back in 2008 by The Princess Royal, Salote Mafile’o Pilolevu Tuita. 

The name representing fire-carrying or shooting stars is an attribute the team hope to bring to this weekend's match against the three-time world champs.

Labour MP, Anahila Kanongata'a Suisuiki, the composer, says it’s now up to the ladies to perform. 

“We needed to compose something brand new to fit the new name that the team has been bestowed upon,” says Suisuiki. 

Auckland will host the Tonga New Zealand Residents in the feature match on Saturday, June 2, with a sea of red set to converge on Mount Smart Stadium #2 following on from Mate Ma’a Tonga’s success at the recent Rugby League World Cup.

In the curtain-raiser the Auckland Maori U20 will face Samoa U20, with both games to be streamed live and free on aucklandleague.co.nz.

ARL general manager Greg Whaiapu said aside from putting the Auckland jersey back at the forefront of the New Zealand league scene, it was a chance to provide players with a meaningful representative game.