Tonga playmaker Ata Hingano

Ata Hingano humbled by passionate fans on first trip to his homeland

The team will spend the next week in Tonga, given a chance to bond with one another as well as meet their fans before the Rugby League World Cup later this month, with Hingano blown away by the reception from the locals since players began to arrive yesterday.

"It's been pretty mean!" Hingano told 1 NEWS.

"Pretty much all of Tonga turned up, it definitely made the first day a memorable one."

Hingano even joked that he's wanting to get a gold tooth or two while in Tonga.

"If there's time, probably yeah," he said while giggling.