Mate Ma’a Tonga President Semisi Sika has asked that the team be given peace and quiet while they prepare for Saturday’s battle with England.
Tonga, which has now won four games in a row, goes up against the Englishmen at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland at 6pm New Zealand time.
England defeated Papua New Guinea 36-6 last Sunday, the day after the Mate Ma’a Tonga defeated Lebanon 24-22.
“We need our players to focus on training for their games and getting adequate rest needed for their best performance,” said Sika, who is also Tonga’s Minister for Tourism.
“Please show your support by giving them space and time needed for their preparation. We look forward to a unified celebration…after the games are finished.”
He asked that family and friends refrain from contacting players in the lead-up to the game.
Kaniva News reports Sika also asked people to be wary of unauthorised people soliciting for donations for Mate Ma’a Tonga.
“We also discourage holding anymore fundraisers on behalf of Mate Ma’a Tonga, until there is an official announcement from the Tonga National Rugby League Committee,” he said.
Contributions from businesses in Tonga and the government had been sufficient to provide the players,” weekly income.
“Our players understand our financial limitations as a country and do not expect any more money,” Hon. Sika said.
“To date, all necessary expenses for the team’s travel, accommodation, training and games are sufficiently funded.”
If individuals wanted to make donations they should contact himself via Facebook or on misisika@gmail.com or the League’s CEO, Stan Moheloa, on SMoheloa@asco.com.to.
Sika said the Mate Ma’a extended their deepest appreciation for all the support they had received.
“We have been blessed with great success so far in the World Cup,” he said.
“We remind all supporters to take safety precautions to ensure all of our people are safe during these exciting times.”
In other games this weekend, Australia and Fiji kick off in Brisbane at 7pm Queensland time on Friday.
The final will be played in Brisbane on December 2 at 7pm Queensland time.
Photo source Facebook. Caption: Tourism Minister and Mate Ma’a Tonga President, Semisi Sika (L), NZ MP Aupito William SIo, PM 'Akilisi Pohiva and NZ MP Jenny Salesa.